Phaseolus vulgaris Production Attributes as Affected by Termite Mound Soil Apis mellifera Interactions at Dang (Ngaoundere, Cameroon)

Abstract

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the influence of termite mound soil and insects on growth, pod and seed yields attributes of Phaseolus vulgaris var brown seeds in Ngaoundere. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design consisting of three treatments, each of which was repeated three times: subplots receiving termite mound soil (PTT), subplots receiving chemical fertilizer (PTP) and subplots receiving neither termite mound soil, nor chemical fertilizer (PTN). Four other treatments were set up: two treatments, each consisting of 120 flowers and differentiated by the presence or absence of insect protection from flowers, and two treatments consisting of 200 flowers protected from insects and then intended to be discovered, visited once by A. mellifera and protected again, and 100 flowers protected from insects and then intended to be exposed and protected again, with no visits from insects or any other organism. Through the pollination efficiency of a floral visit, A. mellifera contributed to increased fruiting rate, number of seeds per pod and percentage of normal seeds by 15.03%, 14.59% and 28.18% respectively. Termite mound soil increased the fruiting rate, number of seeds and percentage of normal seeds by 18.75%, 1.96% and 3.31% respectively. The combined effect of termite mound soil and Apis mellifera increased the fruiting rate, number of seeds per pod and percentage of normal seeds by respectively 10.52 %, 20.36% and 12.67%. Termite mound amended soil and the installation and preservation of A. mellifera nests at near or within P. vulgaris field could be recommended to improve the production of this crop legume.