Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa pollination, floral number, climate and population density of Xylocopa spp. (Hymenoptera : Anthophoridae)

The relationship of weather conditions, passion fruit vines (Passiflora edu lis f. flavicarpa) flower number, density of carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp., Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae) and effective pollinization was studied in Vic osa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Low levels of viable fruits (14.3%) were observe d when there were less flowers/ row (< 0.8 flowers in anthesis/ linear mete r). When densities of flowers in anthesis were between 0.8 and 1.2, there w as a higher proportion of viable flowers and more visits by Xylocopa spp. ( maximum: seven visits/ flower). Above 1.2 flowers in anthesis/ linear meter there was a linear increase in the proportion of viable fruits and visits by Xylocopa spp. However; numbers were lower than in days with 0.8-1.2 flow ers in anthesis/ linear meter. The highest bee density (ca. 49 bees/ ha/ hr ) was between 2: 00 and 3: 00 pm (temperature, relative humidity and insola tion around 26 degrees C, 55% and 0.6 respectively). At higher temperatures and relative humidities, there was a decrease in Xylocopa spp. density, wh ile higher densities high at more elevated insolation.