Pollinator conservation through nutrient substrates: A strategy for sustainable cocoa production

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of the use of nutritious substrates on the conservation of cocoa pollinators, particularly of the Ceratopogonidae family, as a strategy to improve the productivity and sustainability of the crop.The research was carried out in a 20-year-old cocoa plantation located in Manab, Ecuador, during an annual cycle.A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a 2 3 factorial arrangement was used, considering two types of cocoa (Nacional and CCN-51 clones) and three types of substrates (cocoa husk, plantain/ banana pseudostem and leaf litter).Pyramid traps were used to capture pollinators and parameters of flowering, pollination, fertilization and fruit formation were recorded in 75 trees per cocoa type.During the study, 7876 individuals belonging to the Ceratopogonidae family were captured, predominantly the genus Dasyhelea.The substrate composed of plantain/banana pseudostems attracted the highest number of pollinators, highlighting its potential as a favorable medium for conservation.In terms of clone yield, CCN-51 showed higher flowering (up to 165 flowers per tree) and higher dry yield (2326 kg/ha).On the other hand, the Nacional clones showed better pollination (20.56 %), fertilization (7.31 %) and fruit formation (3.34 %) rates, highlighting their biological efficiency in production.One of the main limitations of the study was its development in a single area and annual cycle, which restricts the generalizability of the results.However, the practical value of the research lies in demonstrating that the management of agricultural residues can enhance pollination ecosystem services and, consequently, improve cocoa productivity.This strategy represents a sustainable, original and relevant alternative to strengthen cocoa production through the conservation of its pollinators.