Inventory and Impact of Entomophilous Pollinators on Pear Trees in Setif, Algeria

Abstract

This study evaluated entomophilous pollinators of pear (Pyrus communis) and their impact on fruit yield in the Sétif region, Algeria, during the 2021 and 2022 flowering seasons. Using transect sampling and comparing open versus exclusion pollination, key species were identified and assessed for density, foraging behavior, and efficiency. Hymenoptera, particularly Apoidea, dominated the pollinator community (77.66%), with the honey bee (Apis mellifera) accounting for 79.84% of floral visits. Activity peaked between 11:00 and 13:00, focusing on pollen collection-indicating effective pollination crucial for crossfertilization. Open pollination significantly enhanced both the quantity and quality of fruit compared to exclusion conditions. However, high variability in pollinator abundance (A. mellifera SD: 122.5) and fruit yield (CV > 100%) suggests the influence of environmental factors. The findings highlight the essential role of A. mellifera and the broader pollinator community in optimizing pear production, emphasizing the need for pollinator conservation to support sustainable agriculture in the region.