Api e pronubi selvatici nella produzione di Coriandrum sativum L. (Famiglia Apiaceae) in Sicilia occidentale

Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae - Umbelliferae) is an aromatic annual plant, subspontaneous in several Mediterranean countries. It is cultivated in various states of western Asia, North Africa and Europe. In Italy with the increment of immigration the request of coriandrum fresh state (grass cimicina) and powder to seeds are in increase. In Sicilian territory, for estimating the role of pollinators (wild pollinators and bees) in the increment of seeds production of Coriandrum sativum, a triennial surveying has been carried out, comparing three treatments: self-pollination, bees pollination and free pollination. The production of Coriandrum sativum obtained have been in the first year of 132.5 kg/ha in absence of pollinators and 298.92 kg/ha in free pollination; in the second year the production has been of 759.75 kg/ha with self-fertilization and 1181.75 kg/ha with free pollination; in the third year the production has been of 1883 kg/ha with free pollination, 1335 kg/ha with bees and 800 kg/ha in absence of pollinators. From the screening of pollinators captured on flowers of C. sativum, they are mainly represented Diptera (Syrphidae, Muscidae and Calliphoridi), Apidi (megachilidi and little bees) and some small Coleopters.