Pollinating insects in the genus Vanilla. Case study: Vanilla planifolia (Jacks ex. Andrews)

Abstract

Vanilla planifolia Jacks ex. Andrews, is a plant of commercial importance from which the Vainilla extract is obtained. However, due to the low rate of pollination by insects, manual pollination techniques have been carried out for 180 years, which has caused a loss of genetic variability that puts commercial plantations at risk. Based on the above, the objective of this work was to carry out an analysis of the available information about pollinating insects that have been associated with Vanilla planifolia. In several studies, the participation of bees of the genus Euglossa as pollinators of Vanilla planifolia, and some other recurring visitors that could be potential pollinators, have been reported.