Pollination of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L) in greenhouse by the syrphid fly Eristalis tenax (L)

Experiments were carried out in southern Quebec to assess the possibilities of using Eristalis tenax (L.) as a pollinator of sweet pepper under glasshouse conditions. To measure the influence of insects on seed setting and fruit weight, each flower was tagged before blooming and submitted to one of the following conditions: one in which insect visits were prevented, the second when a specific number of visits was attributed and the third in which insects could have an unlimited access to the flower during its receptive period. Fruits were allowed to grow for 30 days and harvested. Higher seed set was observed in both insect-pollinated groups as well as a shift toward a greater percentage of heavier fruits when compared to those produced from unvisited flowers. Furthermore, the duration of insect visits significantly increased both seed set and fruit weight. Results of the present experiments tend to suggest that E. tenax may possess desirable attributes for the pollination of sweet pepper and deserves further needs for investigation.