Bugingo, Adili2025-01-312025-01-312018https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/6514A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of science in ecosystems science and managementThe Kihansi wild coffee. Coffea kihansiensis. is an endemic coffee species found in the understory of the Kihansi gorge forest in Tanzania. In this study, pollination biology of C. kihansiensis was assessed. The aim of the study was to understand the relationship between the flower biology of C. kihansiensis and its insect pollinators. Specifically, the study investigated flowering patterns, floral dimensions, insect visitors, pollinators, floral rewards and breeding system. A systematic sampling design was employed and three C. kihansiensis populations were used as sampling blocks. Data were collected through direct observations. direct counts, measurements and experiments. Flowering in the species exhibited a bing-bang (mast) flowering pattern and was observed to occur from mid-December through to January following short rains. C. kihansiensis flowers were visited by a wide range of insects belonging to 44 species. Bees of various species were the most abundant insect visitors on the flowers and appeared to be the most effective pollinators of C. kihansiensis. Flowers typically offer pollen and nectar to insect visitors. Insect visitors* frequencies were higher in the morning than in the afternoon and evening, and were associated with the timing of pollen and nectar release. Irrespective of species, insect visitation was higher in morning, at 1100 hr. Fruit set was high in cross pollinated flowers. The low fruit set in the absence of pollinators might be interpreted as an adaptation to low pollinator visitation rate or pollen limitation. The self-incompatibility index (1SI) was estimated to be 0.72. Results from hand-pollination and the ISI value show that C. kihansiensis is partially self-incompatible, able to reproduce through both selfing and outcrossing. It showed that pollinators play important role in enhancing the productivity of C. kihansiensis. The above findings imply that in situ conservation of C. kihansiensis must focus on monitoring the species, its insect pollinators and conservation and management of its natural habitat.enCoffea kihansiensisRubiaceaePollination biologyWild coffee speciesKihansi gorge forestTanzaniaThesis