Crop Pollination by Japanese Bumblebees, Bombus spp. (Hymenoptera: Apidae): Tomato Foraging Behavior and Pollination Efficiency

Abstract

Buzz-pollination of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum MILL) by four native species of Japanese bumblebees (Bombus hypocrita hypocrita PÉREZ, B. ignitus SMITH, B. ardens ardens SMITH, and B. diversus diversus SMITH) was examined. A high (84-100%) fruiting rate and almost no puffy fruit (0-7%) resulted from pollination by the Japanese bumblebees. There was no difference in the pollination efficiency between the imported non-native bumblebee (B. terrestris) and Japanese bumblebees. Pollination of tomato crops using native bumblebees is recommended because there are no ecological risks.