Influence of Mixed Cropping Systems on Pollinator Diversity and Abundance in Agroecosystems
El-Sheikh, W., Abdel-Moniem, A., leem, H., EL Kenawy, A. (2025). Influence of Mixed Cropping Systems on Pollinator Diversity and Abundance in Agroecosystems. EKB Journal Management System, 18(2), 133-143. doi: 10.21608/eajbsa.2025.432101
Wael E.A. El-Sheikh; Abdellah S. H. 1 Abdel-Moniem; Hasnaa A.S. leem; Ahmed H. EL Kenawy. "Influence of Mixed Cropping Systems on Pollinator Diversity and Abundance in Agroecosystems". EKB Journal Management System, 18, 2, 2025, 133-143. doi: 10.21608/eajbsa.2025.432101
El-Sheikh, W., Abdel-Moniem, A., leem, H., EL Kenawy, A. (2025). 'Influence of Mixed Cropping Systems on Pollinator Diversity and Abundance in Agroecosystems', EKB Journal Management System, 18(2), pp. 133-143. doi: 10.21608/eajbsa.2025.432101
El-Sheikh, W., Abdel-Moniem, A., leem, H., EL Kenawy, A. Influence of Mixed Cropping Systems on Pollinator Diversity and Abundance in Agroecosystems. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; 18(2): 133-143. doi: 10.21608/eajbsa.2025.432101

Influence of Mixed Cropping Systems on Pollinator Diversity and Abundance in Agroecosystems

Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences. A, Entomology
Volume 18, Issue 2, June 2025, Page 133-143  XML PDF (632.05 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/eajbsa.2025.432101
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Authors
Wael E.A. El-Sheikh1; Abdellah S. H. 1 Abdel-Moniemorcid 1; Hasnaa A.S. leem1; Ahmed H. EL Kenawy2
1Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62511, Egypt.
2Biological Control Department, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza 12619, Egypt.
Abstract
Pollinators are essential for global agriculture, supporting crop production, nutrition, and economic stability. This study assessed the impact of different crop combinations on the diversity and abundance of Vespa orientalis Linnaeus, 1771 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) across four plots during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 agricultural seasons (December–April). The experiment included a control plot with bean monoculture (Vicia faba L.) and three mixed-crop plots: Plot 1 with lupine (Lupinus spp.), peas (Pisum sativum L), and beans; Plot 2 with lupine, clover (Trifolium spp.), and beans; and Plot 3 with peas, clover, and beans. Pollinators were sampled using sweep netting, shaking, and beating vegetation, with specimens identified in the lab. V. orientalis in the control plot showed slight fluctuations, peaking in January and March of the 2021–2022 season (1.05±0.1 indv.), while A. mellifera peaked in January (1.2±0.2 indv.). Mixed plots showed higher and more variable pollinator numbers. In Plot 1, V. orientalis peaked in January in the first season and increased gradually without peaks in the second season. A. mellifera peaked in January in the first season and in January and March in the second season. Plot 2 showed V. orientalis peaks in January and March in both seasons, while A. mellifera peaked in January and March in the first season and in January, February, and March in the second. Plot 3 had the highest A. mellifera abundance in April of both seasons (4.4±1 indv. in 2021–2022 and 4.40±0.8 indv. in 2022–2023), with a peak in January in the second season. V. orientalis peaked in January in the first season and in January and March in the second. These results show that mixed cropping enhances pollinator diversity and abundance, promoting sustainable farming and supporting pollinator conservation.
Keywords
Pollinators; Crop diversity; Pollinator abundance; Agroecosystems; Sustainable agriculture
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