Survey and surveillance of pollinators in mango ecosystem

Abstract

A total 13 insect species were observed visiting on mango flowers and maximum population of floral visitors belonged to order Diptera (Blow flies, Chrysomya megacephala Fab.; Syrphid flies, Syrphus sp., Eristalinus arvorum Fab. and house fly, Musca domestica) followed by Hymenopteran bees (Apis florea Fab.; Apis cerana indica Fab.; Apis mellifera L.; Apis dorsata Fab. and Tetragonula iridipennis Smith), Wasp, Vespula orientalis L.; and Red ant, Oecophylla smaragdina (Fab.). Maximum intensity of pollinators or visitors was observed during full bloom stage of the crop and highest activity was recorded on the middle portion of the tree canopy (2.05 pollinators or visitors/panicle/5 minutes) followed by lower and top portion of the tree canopy. Whereas, maximum pollinators or visitors was recorded on south direction (2.17 /panicle) followed by north, west and east direction.