L’impact de la pollinisation par l’abeille (Apis mellifera) sur les agrumes dans la wilaya de Mostaganem.

Abstract

This study investigates the role of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) in improving citrus production, particularly sweet orange orchards, in the Bouguirat region (Mostaganem Province, Algeria), one of the country's main citrus-growing areas. The main objective was to assess farmers' perceptions of the contribution of insect pollination to fruit yield and quality, as well as the factors influencing this essential ecosystem service. The study combined a literature review covering citrus classification, floral and reproductive biology, ecological requirements, economic importance, and phytosanitary constraints with a field survey conducted among citrus growers in the study area. The results showed that all surveyed farmers recognized the crucial role of bees in pollination and reported observing them during the flowering period. Most farmers also associated bee activity with improved fruit set, higher yields, and better fruit quality. However, knowledge of the biological mechanisms underlying pollination remained uneven, and the use of managed beehives in citrus orchards was still limited, despite farmers' strong willingness to collaborate with beekeepers. The survey also identified several constraints limiting the integration of beekeeping into citrus production systems, including the frequent use of plant protection products, insufficient training and awareness regarding pollinators, and limited cooperation between farmers and beekeepers. In addition, farmers perceived climate change, particularly drought and water scarcity, as major factors affecting citrus flowering, bee abundance, and ultimately fruit production. These findings are consistent with recent studies showing that animal pollination enhances fruit set, yield, and several quality attributes of citrus fruits, while pesticides and climate change represent significant threats to pollinators. The results highlight the importance of adopting an integrated management approach that combines beekeeping, rational pesticide use, pollinator conservation, and climate adaptation to improve the sustainability of citrus production systems.