Accessing the genetic content of Xylocopa frontalis bees (Apidae, Xylocopini) for sustainable management in pollination services of passion fruit

The commercial use of pollinators can be beneficial to many crops. In the case of passion fruit, the supply of nests of Xylocopa frontalis in crop areas was shown to be effective for the improvement of the production and quality of fruits, but little is known about how the manipulation of native bees could change the genetic patrimony of local populations. The aim of this study was to describe the genetic composition of X. frontalis bees attracted to two agroecosystems, one natural reserve and one urban area based on mitochondrial DNA (partial sequencing of the gene cytochrome oxidase I) and microsatellite markers. One of the study areas comprised most of the exclusive haplotypes (50%); however, the microsatellite data showed no structuring between areas. Based on our data, we suggest a plan for exchanging nests of X. frontalis to passion fruit areas taking into account the genetic composition of local populations, avoiding then disturbances to their natural genetic patrimony.