Indirect effect of pesticides utilization towards diversity of pollinator insects in chili plantation

Abstract

The contribution of insect pollinators to the ecology and production of food crops is threatened by excessive use of pesticides. Pesticides have an impact on reducing the presence of pollinators in agricultural land. The diversity of pollinators depends on food availability and habitat quality. This research emphasizes the diversity of insect pollinators by the application of pesticides in chili plantations in Muaro Jambi, Sumatra. Insect observations were conducted on April-May 2018 using the scan sampling method. Specimen collection is carried out from 08.00-16.00. Data analysis used Shannon-wiener diversity index (H’), Simpson’s index (D), and Pielou evenness index (E). The results of the study were 498 collected individuals consisting of 9 species. Apis melífera, Apis cerana, and Eurema hecabe are the most dominant insect pollinators. Whereas Apis mellifera showed two peaks of flower visitation (an intense first one between 08.00 until 11.00 a.m. and a second less intense one after 14.00 p.m.). Pollinator insect diversity index in the medium category. Our observations also show that the application of pesticides, anthesis and dehiscence to flowers as well as the activity of pollinating insects which together cause low diversity index values.