Beekeeping improves shea pollination and fruit set in West African Agroforestry parklands

Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F Gaertn) is a fruit tree of domestic and
industrial importance in arid and semi-arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Fruit set is largely dependent on insect pollination but recent studies
have revealed a pollen deficit. Introduction of managed bees into orchards
is an effective approach for enhanced pollination services in temperate
climates. However, there is limited information to guide the adoption of
this practice in shea agroforestry parklands. This study investigated the
effect of managed honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera) on fruit yield in
six shea parklands across three regions of Ghana. Tree proximity to the
apiary had a detectable effect on fruit set within a 500 m range of the
apiary.  Proximity of shea trees to apiary was significantly
related to number of immature fruit set but not number of mature fruits.
Fruit weight and size were not significantly related to distance from
apiary nor pollination treatment. This implies that the introduction of
beekeeping has the potential to address shea pollination deficit at least
within a 500 m range of the apiary.  Further studies are needed
to determine the optimal hive density per acreage of shea parkland to
maximise pollination services.