This study was developed to evaluate the effect of Trigona spinipes Fabr. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the pollination and frutification of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa). Natural and artificial pollinations were made in flowers with and without damage by T. spinipes. Number of flowers, level of soluble solids and weight of fruits were evaluated. Higher number of viable flowers was registered for those damaged by T. spinipes (64%) than those naturally pollinated but with damages by this insect (32%). T. spinipes showed higher number of visits to flowers before anthesis (natural and artificial pollinations of flowers not covered) with fruits showing less percentage of poup weight and seeds (43 and 42% respectively) in relation to those fruits artificially pollinated when covered (51%).
Insecta; stingless bees; bees; Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa; pollination
