Diversity, abundance, and pollen affinity of wild bee pollinators of almond: Insights from a Moroccan orchard

Almond trees are economically important and widely cultivated across the
Mediterranean. Their yield depends on cross-pollination by insects, yet
their pollinators remain largely unknown, particularly in North Africa.
This study investigated the diversity, abundance, and pollen affinity of
wild bee species in a Moroccan almond orchard. Using sweep netting and pan
traps, a total of 813 specimens representing 104 species, 17 genera, and
five families were recorded in the studied orchard. Bee diversity and
abundance peaked during the flowering phase, reflecting the key role of
bloom phenology in shaping pollinator activity. The most species-rich and
abundant genera were Andrena, Eucera, and Lasioglossum. In total, 26
species were identified as almond floral visitors (AFV), with Andrena
flavipes and Andrena bimaculata being the most abundant floral visitors.
Among them, palynological data identified eight species as almond pollen
victors (APV), with a total of 182 plant-bee interactions and confirmed
strong almond pollen affinity for both Andrena species, particularly A.
flavipes. While this study is limited to one orchard, it highlights the
ecological importance of wild bees in Moroccan almond systems and
underscores the potential of selecting native species to enhance
pollination services, especially in light of reported pollination
deficits. These findings support the development of conservation-oriented
management strategies aimed at sustaining pollinator diversity and crop
productivity.