Impact of managed stingless bee and western honey bee colonies on native pollinators and yield of watermelon: A comparative study

The purpose of our study is to identify native pollinators of watermelon and the yield enhancement potential of managed honey bees and stingless bees. Specifically, we asked the following questions: (i) Which are the most effective pollinators? (ii) Is there any pollination limitation (i.e. insufficient pollen transfer to stigma for optimum fruit set) of the plant species within the study areas? (iii) Is there any inbreeding depression? (iv) Which one is more suitable between the western honey bee (A. mellifera) and the stingless bee (T. iridipennis) for sustainable agriculture considering the negative influences on native pollinators?