Pollinator conservation through nutrient substrates: A strategy for sustainable cocoa production

Abstract

This research had the goal of evaluate the impact of the use of nutritious substrates on the conservation of cocoa pollinators, particularly Ceratopogonidae family, as a strategy to improve crop´s productivity and sustainability. The research was carried out in a 20-year-old cocoa plantation located in Manabí, Ecuador, during an annual cycle. A (RCBD) with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement was used, considering two types of cocoa (Nacional - CCN-51 clones) and three types of substrates (cocoa husk, plantain/banana pseudostem and leaf litter). Pyramid traps were used to capture pollinators and parameters of flowering, pollination, fertilization and fruit formation were recorded in 75 trees per cocoa type. During the study, 7,876 individuals belonging to the Ceratopogonidae family were captured, predominantly the genus Dasyhelea. The plantain/banana pseudostems attracted the highest number of pollinators, highlighting its potential as a medium for conservation. In terms of clone yield, CCN-51 showed higher flowering and higher dry yield. On the other hand, the National clones showed better pollination (20.56 %), fertilization (7.31 %) and fruit formation (3.34 %) rates, highlighting their biological efficiency in production. Management of agricultural residues can enhance pollination ecosystem services and, consequently, improve productivity. This strategy represents a sustainable alternative to strengthen cocoa production through the conservation of its pollinators.