Wreikat1*, I. Ghabeish2 and A. Al-Gabbiesh3
(1) Department of Plant Production and Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt 19117, Jordan; (2) Department of Agricultural Sciences, Shoubak University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt 19117, Jordan; (3) Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Balqa Applied University, Zarqa’ University College, Jordan.
*Email of the corresponding author: [email protected]
The number of species recorded in the survey of solitary bees in Shoubak District- Maan Governorate, Jordan were 36 species, and the activity and numbers were higher in the species belonging to the genera Anthophora, Eucera and Megachile. Results obtained indicated that alfalfa and robinia leaves were the most preferred source by the leaf-cutter bees to build their nests. The nesting rate was highest in cane stalks (50.7%), olive (34.4%) and eucalyptus wood (32.6%). The highest rate of wood nesting (36.5%) was in holes with a diameter of 0.4 cm. Promoting solitary bees nesting near apple orchards led to an increase in apple productivity in the second year of the study (2024), which ranged from 250.4 to 277.2%. In conclusion, encouraging bee nesting is the way to restore fauna natural balance. Mitigating the effects of climate change, moving wind energy production fans to areas devoid of agriculture in the district and reducing the use of agricultural chemicals are of vital importance.
Apple, augmentation, conservation, nesting materials, nesting preference, pollination, solitary bee.
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001484