Stingless bees can increase crop yields by 29%, shows Nagaland University research
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, researchers at Nagaland University have been able to demonstrate how stingless bees can boost crop output and quality through pollination -- without the stinging risk.According to the research, fruit set in king chilli increased to 29.46% from 21% with these bees as the pollinators.In the common chilli (Capsicum annuum), fruit development in healthy condition increased by nearly 8%, and seed weight, an indicator of enhanced germination, increased by over 60%.advertisementThe team, led by Dr Avinash Chauhan, All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Honeybees & Pollinators' Principal Investigator, discovered that the two species of stingless bees, namely Tetragonula iridipennis and Lepidotrigona arcifera, not only improved fruit production but also improved seed viability in chilli and king chilli.WHY IS THIS RESEARCH IMPORTANT?
Dr Chauhan further stated that this technique is meant to fill the gap of pollination in crops, especially where honeybee use is restricted.He emphasised the need to preserve other pollinators like Apis dorsata, Apis florea, halictid and syrphid bees.
Honey being extracted from stingless bees as part of a study conducted by Nagaland University
advertisement"The last 7 to 10 years of research gave us strong results. We not only had more crop yields, but the honey from these bees also generated extra income," Dr Chauhan added."We're working on improving beekeeping practices and promoting awareness regarding the conservation of wild pollinators," he added.The crops on which the research was carried out are cucumber, watermelon, citrus, tomato, brinjal, and dragon fruit.Scientists isolated and duplicated stingless bee colonies from forest areas native to them into scientific hives and then these hives were planted in open fields as well as greenhouses.
ABOUT STINGLESS BEESStingless bees are widespread in the North East, South and Eastern parts of India. Scientific domestication of stingless bees has been done in Nagaland and subsequently extended to Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.This research is an important step towards sustainable agriculture and conservation of pollinators. Future research will further explore the pharmaceutical value of stingless bee honey and examine other lesser-researched crops like passion fruit and chow chow.
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