Title : Honeybee pollination and its role in fruit set, seed yield, and quality of Coffea arabica
Abstract:
Although Coffea arabica is an autogamous species, insect pollinators, particularly honeybees, can enhance its seed yield. This study was conducted at the Gera Sub-site Research Station in the Jimma zone to evaluate the role of honeybee pollination in fruit set and seed yield of C. arabica (74165) variety. A total of 48 mature coffee plants, spaced at 2 m × 2 m and managed under uniform conditions, were assigned to three treatments: (T1) caged with a honeybee colony, (T2) open to all insect pollinators, and (T3) caged to exclude pollinators. Coffee plants caged with honeybees had higher fruit set and quality seed yields compared to self-pollination and open pollination, although statistically similar to the open treatment. On the other hand, coffee plants caged without insect pollinators had more aborted seeds compared to plots caged with honeybees and open pollination. Results showed that honeybee-pollinated plants (T1) had a significantly higher fruit set and seed yield than self-pollinated plants (T3) and a 22.61% yield advantage over open-pollinated plants (T2). Additionally, self-pollinated plants exhibited a higher rate of seed abortion. Overall, honeybee pollination increased seed yield by 70.98% compared to self-pollination, demonstrating the critical role of honeybees in maximizing C. arabica productivity. Integrating honeybee colonies into coffee farms is recommended to enhance seed yield and optimize coffee production.
Keywords: Coffea arabica; Honeybees Pollination; Fruit set; Seed Yield; Giera sub-site
