Caring for Pollinators - Bundesamt für Naturschutz

Hamm & Ssymank The pollinators buffet
6.2 Fruit crops presented on the pollinators buffet
by Hamm, A. & Ssymank, A., Bonn
The following chapter contains most of the fruits provided during the “Pollinator Buffet”. The
specific informations on the different fruit species are taken from KLEIN et al. (2006), ROUBIK
et al. (1995), FAO 2007 and complemented by observations of the authors. The list is not
listing all known visitors and pollinators, but giving a selection of species within each pollinator
group. Beside the indicated kind of animal pollination, wind pollination often is possible as
well. Because of the context of this volume, we did not include additional information for
mixed pollination systems. However the positive impact by animal pollination for fruit set and
yield is given. By reading this list, please keep in mind that there are many useful, cultivated
plants that depend on animals as pollinators. So-called insect pollinated “cash crops” like
coffee, cotton, vanilla or alfalfa, have an enormous economic importance worldwide.
Actinidia deliciosa (Actinidiaceae)
Crop name: Kiwifruit
Positive impact by animal pollination: great/essential
Origin: SW China
Main producers: New Zealand, Italy, S Europe
Main pollinators and visitors: Bees (Hymenoptera)
Honey Bees (Apis mellifera); Bumble bees
(e.g. Bombus terrestris); Solitary bees
Photo: W. Barthlott/W. Rauh
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Photo: W. Barthlott/W. Rauh