María Belén Lezcano

Ms. María Belén Lezcano

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
20 August 2025 in Plants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FAFacundo René Meroi Meroi Arcerito
Facundo René Meroi Meroi Arcerito
MMMariana Paola Mazzei
Mariana Paola Mazzei
CCCamila Corti
Camila Corti
MLMaría Belén Lezcano
María Belén Lezcano
GLGregorio Fernández de Landa
Gregorio Fernández de Landa
LGLeonardo Galetto
Leonardo Galetto
Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a globally important crop presenting challenges for ensuring cross-pollination. This study aimed to (1) record the entomological fauna visiting flowers; (2) evaluate the visitation frequency of pollinators; and (3) test the use of lavender extract to enhance cross-pollination by honeybees and assess the impacts on fruit quality. Nine species of floral visitors were recorded as pollinators, although the most frequent were the exotic honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the native bees Bombus pauloensis and Xylocopa augusti. Honeybees increased their visitation to flowers when the attractant was used, improving pollination service and fruit quality compared to the control-bagged treatment, resulting in fruits that were 20 g heavier (115.4 g vs. 95.6 g, 95% CI). Similarly, the number of seeds per fruit and the fruit shape index (FSI) increased in treatments exposed to bee visitation when compared to the bagged control. However, differences in bee visitation among treatments suggested a non-linear relationship between bee activity and fruit quality. Nevertheless, achieving high-quality fruit standards across treatments could be explained by the extended floral lifespan, which allowed for a high number of visits and ensured pollination. Finally, we did not observe any bias in honeybee visitation by applying sugar syrup combined with the attractant. Hence, to increase honeybees’ visits to flowers, we recommend applying the scent directly in a water solution.

7 January 2026 in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CCCamila Corti
Camila Corti
FAFacundo René Meroi Meroi Arcerito
Facundo René Meroi Meroi Arcerito
MLMaría Belén Lezcano
María Belén Lezcano
FRFacundo Ramos
Facundo Ramos
LGLeonardo Galetto
Leonardo Galetto
MMMatías Maggi
Matías Maggi