Abstract:
Vitellaria paradoxa (shea) is an economic tree endemic to Sub-Saharan
Africa. Shea fruit contributes to food security, while the edible fat from shea
kernel is used industrially in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and confectionary
products. However, optimum fruit yield is limited by inadequate pollination
services. This study investigated floral phenology and explored managed bee
(Apis mellifera) for enhanced pollination in shea parklands of six sites in three
regions (Upper West, Upper East and North East) from August 2020 to
December 2021. The study specifically sought to establish the relationship
between climatic conditions and floral phenology, and the effect of apiary on
shea flower visitors and fruit yield at four distances (100, 500, 1000 and
4000m) from the apiary. Alternative floral resources visited by shea
pollinators (bees) were also surveyed monthly for one year. Shea flowering
was significantly associated with soil moisture and temperature but the onset
of flowering and morphometric traits of floral parts varied significantly
between regions. Tree proximity to apiary had a positive effect on fruit set but
not fruit weight and size. Presence of apiary did not have any effect on
diversity and flower visitation frequency of other bees. Similarly, weather
conditions had a minimal effect on flower visitor composition. Alternative
forage survey identified 32 woody plants, 75% of which were visited by shea
primary pollinators. The study concluded that beekeeping in shea parklands
had some positive effects on pollination and fruit set. However, further studies
are required to determine the optimal hive density per acreage of shea
parkland and the long-term effects of beekeeping on other florivorous insects.
