Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) pollinators and their effect on fruit set and quality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tomato flowers are self-fertile, but require pollinators’ intervention to increase fruit setting. In this review paper, we present and discuss the current state of knowledge on tomato pollinators. Information on tomato pollinators was extracted from 49 scientific publications, 6 doctoral thesis documents, 4 books, 3 technical sheets, a compilation of conference abstracts and 3 internet publications. We identified from the various publications 77 insects that pollinate tomato flowers. These pollinators were all Hymenoptera and belong to the families, Apidae (61%), Halictidae (35%), Megachilidae (1%), Colletidae (1%), and Andrenidae (2%). Bombus bees were the most represented genus with 16 identified species. These pollinators contribute to the improvement of the fruit set percentage and fruit characteristics. Worldwide, colonies of bumblebees, Bombus terrestris, Bombus impatiens, Bombus occidentalis, Bombus ignitus and Bombus lucorum as well as honeybee, Apis mellifera are managed for tomato pollination. However, the exploitation of managed pollinators is poorly developed in Africa. Similarly, very little research has been conducted on tomato pollinators in Africa and Europe. Further investigations are needed, especially in Africa, to identify insects that are effective in tomato pollination, and to develop management strategies for their efficient exploitation in tomato production.