A Brazilian study has found pollination by a small species of bee has increased coffee yield, marking a significant step in balancing pollinator presence with crop growth.
Published in research journal Frontiers, the study found the introduction of Scaptotrigona depilis bee colonies into both conventional and organic coffee farms saw a 67 per cent increase in coffee yield from branches located closer to the colonies.
Coffee yield was measured in branches located both near and far from the colonies, with colony strength and pesticide residue in plant tissues among the factors monitored over time.
The findings found that managed stingless bees can “markedly enhance coffee production” without experiencing measurable detrimental effects under current pesticide use, with researches noting the results offered practical insights for developing more sustainable coffee production strategies that align with pollinator health and conservation.
The study follows extensive research worldwide demonstrating that although the Arabica plant does not rely on pollinators as much as other crops, it can still gain significant advantages from their presence.
