Diversified agroforestry systems conserving pollinators

Abstract

Most cultivated plants depend on animal pollination for production and bees are the most
effective pollinators. Altering natural habitats can affect plant sexual reproduction and agricultural
productivity, as it may reduce the diversity and abundance of pollinators. The adoption
of diversified agroforestry systems (SAFs) can contribute to the maintenance of bee diversity.
To evaluate this potential of SAFs, the bee species that visit the flowering trees in the agroecological
SAFs of Embrapa Meio Ambiente have been monitored since January 2017. Pollen
samples from the trees are stored for further evaluation of the diet of stingless bees rationally
reared at the site. Data from previous observations and bibliographic references are also used.
As a result, we present a preliminary list of the trees in SAFs that provide food resources for
stingless bees.