Global review of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) pollination: research approaches, distribution of pollinators and knowledge gaps

Resumen

Crop pollination is indispensable for global food security. Studies that summarize the knowledge about
pollination of specific crops are relevant because they identify the distribution of pollinators, guide pollinator management and
conservation policies, and highlight knowledge gaps. Zucchini is cultivated in several countries, and its production is essentially
dependent on pollinators. We aimed to integrate global data on zucchini pollination and answer the following questions: (1)
What are the topics addressed and what are the trends of the results? (2) Which organisms pollinate zucchini, and how are they
globally distributed? (3) What are the knowledge gaps? We performed a systematic literature review, built a network of countries
and pollinators, and compared data on the effi ciency of specifi c pollinators. Studies were conducted in 16 countries. Most studies
investigated the frequency and diversity of floral visitors. Other approaches were discussed. Zucchini flowers fed 116 species of
pollinators, especially bees. Six countries had almost exclusive groups of native pollinators. Apis, Bombus, and Peponapis were
the most frequently recorded bees. Areas with high habitat diversity improve pollination. There was a significant difference in
productivity when pollination was carried out by bees compared with pollination by Syrphidae. The main knowledge gaps are (1)
the determination of which native, manageable pollinators are effi cient for maximum zucchini production, (2) the investigation of
how pollination infl uence fruit nutritional composition and seed quality, and (3) the identifi cation of pollinators to the species level.