Role of native bees and natural habitats in eggplant (Solanum melongena) pollination in Kenya

The pollination requirements of eggplant (Solanum melongena) were investigated. One variety of eggplant exhibited a significantly reduced seed set in absence of pollinators, and two varieties significantly increased seed numbers when pollen deposition was enhanced. Two solitary bee species, Xylocopa caffra and Macronomia rufipes, were identified as effective pollinators of the crop. The visitation rates of these pollinators to eggplant flowers declined significantly with distance from the wild habitat. The importance of wild plants as alternative forage source for pollinators was assessed by a survey of the flowering plants in different habitats surrounding eggplant fields. While ruderal farm weeds provide much of these resources, the Acacia tortilis riverine forest experienced high visitation rates in one critical period of the dry season. The spatio-temporal foraging behaviour of eggplant pollinators highlights the role of the agricultural matrix in conserving ecosystem services. Interspersion of wild habitats with cultivated land promoted increased pollination services.