Abstract
Elaeidobius spp. weevils were released to carry out pollination in the Palmas del Espino SA plantation in 198889, when the palms were 60 months old. However, during their first few years, young oil palms produce primarily female flowers, only producing sufficient male flowers for the establishment and effective activity of pollinating insects from the age of 6570 months onwards. Therefore, before this age, artificial pollination is required. This is normally carried out by hand. As an alternative, trials were carried out (initially on an area of 25 ha, increasing to 600 ha) on the use of hives. Each hive (a 21cmhigh cylinder) contained 5000 weevils (E. kamerunicus was the most abundant and suitable species) and 2 g of fresh, pure pollen. Theoptimum hive density was found to be 2.5 per ha and they were replenished every other day. Weevils were collected from male inflorescences, each providing enough insects for 3 hives. The hives had to be moved regularly to ensure that the temperature inside did not rise to lethal levels. This technique achieved much the same percentage normal fruit set as hand pollination (6070) but required only one third of the labour of hand pollination. Other advantages are discussed.Incluye 6 referencias bibliográficas.Elaeidobius spp. weevils were released to carry out pollination in the Palmas del Espino SA plantation in 198889, when the palms were 60 months old. However, during their first few years, young oil palms produce primarily female flowers, only producing sufficient male flowers for the establishment and effective activity of pollinating insects from the age of 6570 months onwards. Therefore, before this age, artificial pollination is required. This is normally carried out by hand. As an alternative, trials were carried out (initially on an area of 25 ha, increasing to 600 ha) on the use of hives. Each hive (a 21cmhigh cylinder) contained 5000 weevils (E. kamerunicus was the most abundant and suitable species) and 2 g of fresh, pure pollen. Theoptimum hive density was found to be 2.5 per ha and they were replenished every other day. Weevils were collected from male inflorescences, each providing enough insects for 3 hives. The hives had to be moved regularly to ensure that the temperature inside did not rise to lethal levels. This technique achieved much the same percentage normal fruit set as hand pollination (6070) but required only one third of the labour of hand pollination. Other advantages are discussed.