Bee nutrition and pollen quality in plants from the Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae families in the context of agricultural interests in Belgium

Details

Supervisors

Anne-Laure Jacquemart

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en sciences agronomiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Entomophilous pollination plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity by facilitating the reproduction of numerous plant species. However, populations of pollinating insects are decreasing in various global regions, partly attributed to declining floral resources. The effective pollination of entomophilous species is essential for the Belgian economy. This study examines the pollen composition of species within three primordial families—Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae. Research suggests that the equilibrium between polypeptide and lipid concentrations (P:L) in pollen could be used as an indicator of pollinator nutritional quality. This investigation encompasses an evaluation of polypeptide and lipid concentrations and P:L ratios in the pollen of Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae plants. Moreover, the study aims to discern potential distinctions in polypeptide and lipid concentrations between wild plant specimens and potentially cultivated crops. Although the study's findings diverged from those of Vaudo et al. (2020) in terms of P:L ratios, there remains a common underlying trend across the families. Additionally, higher polypeptide and lipid concentrations were detected in non-agricultural species, while P:L ratios were similar. Species and locations emerged as the primary influencers of polypeptide and lipid concentrations. A random forest machine learning regression model was employed for prospective research endeavors. Subsequent studies could leverage this model to prognosticate polypeptide and lipid concentrations, encompassing pollen from both wild and cultivated plants and accounting for species, family, location, and year of pollen collection. In parallel to the analysis of other compounds such as amino acids or nectar concentration in plants, the optimal model could then be employed to enhance pollinator nourishment based on specific species requirements all while ensuring efficient crop production.