Valuation of agricultural production and pollination services in palm trees (Arecaceae) in the Amazon forest

Abstract

Palm trees (Arecaceae) are among the most important plants in the world, providing food and subsistence for various populations, especially in the Amazon region. Many of these trees depend on pollinators to produce fruits. In this study, we evaluated the pollination service values in 13 palm crops in the Brazilian Legal Amazon based on the agricultural production values of each species and their dependencies on pollinators, and we compared the values between forested and non-forested areas. We also aimed to review the scientific literature to present the most important pollinator species of those same palm crops. The total production value of the palms was estimated at US$239.9 million/year (2017), and 85% of this value was associated with the açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea). The municipalities that had the highest production values were in the State of Pará (79.5%), considered the largest açaí producer in Brazil. The second most important crop was babassu (Attalea speciosa), with its production concentrated mainly in the State of Maranhão. Pollination services were valued at US$144.2 million/year, with açaí cultivation corresponding to 92% of this value. The forested areas were responsible for 86.4% of the total production value, with a pollination service value of US$127 million/year. The main pollinators reported were insects of the orders Hymenoptera (Apidae) and Coleoptera (especially Curculionidae). The results obtained in this study highlight the importance of pollinators to produce fruits and seeds in palm crops and reinforce the need to conserve both the pollinators and the forest, to ensure food security and the sustainable development of the region.