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Abstract
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Article Information:
Comparison of Bee Pollinators of Coffee in Organic and Conventional Farms
Rebecca H.N. Karanja, Mary W. Gikungu, Grace N. Njoroge, L.E. Newton and John M. Kihoro
Corresponding Author: Rebecca H.N. Karanja
Submitted: 2011 August, 05
Accepted: 2011 October, 15
Published: 2011 November, 15 |
Abstract:
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Kenyan Coffea arabica L. is globally recognised for its high quality and it is used to blend other
coffees in the world market. No previous studies in Kenya have identified pollinators of coffee and this
necessitated the study. Coffea arabica was thought to be self-pollinated but recent studies have given an
indication that it is amphicarpic thus needing pollinator services. This is especially for the self sterile flowers
while in self fertile flowers pollination success rate is enhanced. This study assessed the diversity of bee
pollinators of coffee in organic and conventional farming system in Kiambu Kenya. Sampling of bees found
to evidently carry pollen and interact with anthers was done and these bees were recorded. Sixty three bee
species were sampled with organic farm having 60 species and conventional farm 24 species. Bee abundance
and diversity between organic and conventional farms differed significantly (t = -2.1227, df = 61, p<0.05).
Andrena (sp) possibly a new species was collected. Findings from this study revealed that wild bees other than
Apis mellifera are important pollinators of coffee. The wild bees were few in numbers and ways of enhancing
their populations should be devised.
Key words: Abundance, coffee, conventional, organic, pollinators, richness,
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Cite this Reference:
Rebecca H.N. Karanja, Mary W. Gikungu, Grace N. Njoroge, L.E. Newton and John M. Kihoro, . Comparison of Bee Pollinators of Coffee in Organic and Conventional Farms. Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, (6): 469-474.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-3890
ISSN (Print): 2041-3882 |
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