Overview

• Researchers identified two stingless bee species, Tetragonula iridipennis and Lepidotrigona arcifera, as efficient pollinators after trials in greenhouses and open fields over seven to ten years.
• Pollination by these bees raised king chilli fruit set to 29.46% from 21% and increased seed weight in Capsicum annuum by over 60%.
• Trials extended beyond chillies to cucumber, watermelon, citrus, tomato, brinjal and dragon fruit, showing consistent gains in yield and produce quality.
• Stingless bees provide a sting-free pollination alternative and produce medicinal honey, creating an additional revenue stream for farmers.
• Findings published in the International Journal of Farm Sciences underpin efforts to domesticate stingless bees in northeastern states and recommend conserving wild pollinators.