A influência da polinização das abelhas (Hymenoptera, Anthophila) em cultura de morango (Fragaria x ananassa CV. Albion)

Abstract

Strawberries can be produced by self-pollination, but dependence on pollinators, and it is possible to use the management of swarms of native bees, to increase production, and improvement of the product. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of pollination by bees in culture of Fragaria x ananassa Duch CV. Albion (strawberry). Three treatments were performed: a) Self-polinization (AP), without pollination, in which the flowers remained covered until the fruiting; b) Controlled Pollination (PC), allowing the visit of only one bee and c) free pollination (PL), with flowers exposed all the time. After fruiting and maturation the strawberries were taken to the laboratory where they were weighed, the sugar content was measured with a manual refractometer. Although the controlled pollination treatment is less effective when compared to free pollination, it still shows the best strawberry quality in relation to self-pollination.