Potential pollinators of Tamarindus indica L. (Caesalpinioideae) in Sudanian region of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) is a socio-economically important tree species in the Sudanian and Sahelian zone of Africa. Few studies have shown that the species is pollinated by bees. In this article, first we studied the impact of the wind pollination. Secondly, we determined the visitors insect of the flowers of tamarind, studied the production of nectar and pollen. Thirdly, we established relation between nectar production and visit time of insect. The study was undertaken in Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. The insects were captured using a net on the flowers. The determination of the insects visiting flowers is made using the Chenery key. The results show that wind pollination of tamarind is very low. We determined two long distance pollinators of Hymenoptera group (Xylocopa olivacea and Megachille sp.) and five short distance pollinators represented by Apis mellifera and Trigona sp. (Hymenoptera group), Syrphida sp. and Bombylius sp. (Diptera group). The wasp visitor, Polistes fastidiosus (Hymenoptera group)’s role in pollination is badly established. Production of nectar and pollen at the flower level occurs over short periods. We identified two major guilds of plants: one guild of plant for A. mellifera and one for Xylocopa violacae. Key words: Tamarindus indica, pollen, nectar, plants visitors, pollination.