title: Plant-pollinator interactions in Crambe abyssinica Hochst. (Brassicaceae) associated with environmental variables.
abstract: Despite the economic importance of Crambe abyssinica, the present study is the first report on bees that occur with this species, and could aid in developing alternative methods for controlling insect pests without seriously impacting pollinators. The present study examined the following questions: (1) Which species are potential pollinators of C. abyssinica? (2) How do environmental conditions influence pollinator visitation fluctuations? Insects were sampled on a weekly basis between 08:00 and 16:00 during five weeks of flowering. When the results of analyses of variance were significant, the data was adjusted using regression equations at a 5% level of probability; the environmental variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Apis mellifera, Geotrigona mombuca, Exomalopsis (Exomalopsis) fulvofasciata, Plebeia sp. and Dialictus sp. were observed visiting C. abyssinica flowers. A. mellifera and G. mombuca were observed to be potential pollinators, with the former demonstrating visitation peaks during flowering weeks II and IV at 12:00 and 08:00, respectively and the latter visiting during weeks III and IV at 12:00 and 10:00, respectively. Environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed have different effect on the activity of bees.
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brasil.
authors: Lívia C
authors: LC
authors: Simioni
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brasil.
authors: Rosilda M
authors: RM
authors: Mussury
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brasil.
authors: Munir
authors: M
authors: Mauad
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brasil.
authors: Daiane M
authors: DM
authors: Dresh
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brasil.
authors: Fabricio F
authors: FF
authors: Pereira
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brasil.
authors: Silvana P Q
authors: SP
authors: Scalon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D031218:Crambe Plant / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D054817:Pollination / Q000502:physiology*