Management of native bees increases acerola productivity in the Semi-arid region.

Managing native solitary bees can increase acerola production in the São Francisco Valley by between 32% and 103%. This conclusion comes from research conducted by Embrapa Semiárido in irrigated areas of Petrolina (PE) and Juazeiro (BA). The study indicates that the availability of floral resources and the installation of trap nests strengthen the presence of pollinators and increase fruit production.

The experiments installed 840 trap nests in commercial orchards. The occupancy rate reached 88,21%, surpassing previous records. Bees of the Centridini tribe accounted for 91,7% of flower visits in the evaluated areas.

The research identified 11 species that visit the acerola tree. Among them: Centris aenea, C. tarsata, C. analysis, C. obsolete e C. maranhensisCentris aenea concentrated 95% of the floral visits. Bees of the genus Centris collect floral oils for nest construction and larval feeding. This process promotes pollen transfer and increases the fruit set rate and fruit weight.

Even in self-pollinating crops, the presence of pollinators increases production. The study coordinator, Lúcia Kiill, reports significant gains in Phase I of the project.

Acerola production

Brazil leads the world in acerola production and export. The Northeast region concentrates 80% of the production, with Pernambuco, Ceará, and Sergipe standing out. In the irrigated areas of Petrolina and Juazeiro, the crop occupies approximately 7 hectares. The orchards yield up to eight harvests per year. Production supplies the fresh fruit market and the juice and pulp industry. Small and medium-sized producers guarantee a steady income from this activity.

The study recommends maintaining plant species around orchards to ensure a continuous supply of pollen, nectar, and floral oils. Among the recommended plants are murici, embira-rosa, pau-ferro, falsa-dormideira, and malva-rasteira. Preserving Caatinga areas increases the availability of resources for bees.

The research also suggests installing trap nests in perforated wooden blocks. Cavities between 10 and 12 millimeters in diameter and 10 to 14 centimeters deep showed the best performance. Installation should occur in shaded and protected locations, close to the insects' breeding grounds.

The next phase of the project involves a public-private partnership with Niagro and twelve properties in the São Francisco Valley. The initiative will validate the use of trap nests in conventional and organic farming. The areas undergo analysis of vegetation cover, water availability, infrastructure, and connectivity with Caatinga fragments. The project also includes training for producers, technicians, young people, and rural women to adopt management practices.