Pollination depends on morphological and behavioural adjustments between visitors and plants. Some plant species as Ipomoea bahiensis (Convolvulaceae) provide nectar and pollen to visitors and occur in anthropic areas, therefore becoming an important source of resources for the maintenance of native pollinating insects. However, what is the efficiency of each floral visitor species for the pollination of this plant species? What morphological and behavioural characteristics determine the pollinators? In this regard, this study evaluated the I. bahiensis flower and visitor morphology in a semi-arid area and the foraging behaviour of these floral visitors. Also, the efficiency rate of potential pollinators was quantified. Bees and butterflies visited the flowers of I. bahiensis, but the bees Melitoma spp., Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758), and Pseudaugochlora pandora (Smith, 1853) were the most frequent visitors. These species presented medium-sized and compatible with the floral tube width. In addition to the size, these bees presented behaviour that favoured the contact with the reproductive structures of the flower, as evidenced by the efficiency test of the flower visits. Although butterflies often collect nectar from the flowers, they do not present characteristics that could result in pollination. Hence, medium-sized bees played the role of efficient pollinator of I. bahiensis.

ResumoA iniciativa da realização de eventos acadêmico-científicos assume um papel de grande importância no processo da comunicação científica, devendo ser amplamente fomentada entre as instituições de ensino e pesquisa. O II BioVertentes do Centro Universitário Jorge Amado (UNIJORGE), realizado entre os dias 02 de abril e 19 de maio de 2012, representou uma iniciativa pioneira consolidada de ex-alunos institucionais, promovendo um espaço aberto às discussões e questionamentos e novas perspectivas das áreas das Ciências Biológicas. Com a participação de aproximadamente 300 pessoas, o evento foi bem sucedido no âmbito acadêmico, além de contarmos com a arrecadação de 290 kg de alimentos não perecíveis doados à Instituição carente. Apesar da boa satisfação do público, para as próximas edições do evento, alguns aspectos podem ser melhorados com o intuito de tornar-se um evento acadêmico anual institucional, aberto ao público, de estudantes e profissionais da área, interno e externo. Palavras-chave: Biologia. Ensino superior. Eventos científicos. Extensão. Minicurso A LOOK AT THE REPORT OF EXPERIENCE II BIOVERTENTES: ACADEMIC-SCIENTIFIC EVENT FOR THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES COURSE OF JORGE AMADO UNIVERSITY CENTER AbstractThe initiative of make academic-scientific events assume a major function in the process of scientific communication and should be widely encouraged for institutions of education and research. The initiative of make academic-scientific events assume a major function in the process of scientific communication and should be widely encouraged for institutions of education and research. The II BioVertentes of Jorge Amado University Center (UNIJORGE) that happened between April 2 and May 19, 2012, represented a pioneering initiative consolidated to institutional student, fostering an open space for discussion and questioning and new perspectives in areas of Biological Sciences. Attended by approximately 300 people, the event was successful in the academic realm, and we rely on the collection of 290 kg of non-perishable food donated to needy institution. Despite the satisfaction of the public good, for the next editions of the event some aspects can be improved in order to become an annual event academic institution, open to the public, students and professionals, internal and external.

Pollination is an ecological process that relies on the matching traits of flower visitors and flowers. Morphology, behavior, and temporal patterns play essential roles in mediating the interactions between plants and floral visitors. This study analyzed the temporal aspects of visitors and flowers interaction and the possible adjustment between both organisms.  We used Ipomoea bahiensis and its flower visitors as a model system. We evaluated the visitor frequency on the flowers throughout the day, flower opening and closing times, pollen availability and stigma receptivity. We also evaluated the highest fruit production time during the flower longevity was analyzed, and the time of highest pollinator activity, related to climatic factors. Among the floral visitors, bees, especially Melitoma spp., Apis mellifera, and Pseudaugochlora pandora were the most frequent visitors, presenting regular visits synchronized with the flower opening and closing times, which were also regular. This system was influenced mainly by light intensity. Besides, these bees were very active during the times of the highest fruit production.  These data indicate the presence of temporal patterns for both the bees and the visited plants, and synchronization between them, being the light intensity as a modulator of the rhythms of bees and plant, confirming the importance of the temporal adjustments for pollination efficiency.