Insect Pollinators of Mustard and their Foraging Behaviour

Abstract

Mustard provides both nectar and pollen, so it is attractive to various insect visitors. To study the diversity and foraging behaviour, mustard crop was grown at the Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner. It was revealed that a total of 31 species belonging to 16 families of six orders visited flowers. Apis florea showed the peak activity at 13.00 hr (12.44 bees/ 10 plants/ 5 min) and foraging rate (14.49 flowers visited/ 5 min). Eristalinus megacephalus showed peak activity at 13.00 hr (9.06 insect visitors/ 10 plants/ 5 min) and foraging rate (12.37 flowers visited/ 5 min) and Halictus sp showed peak activity at 14.00 hr (8.69 insect visitors/ 10 plants/ 5 min) and foraging rate (6.30 flowers visited/ 5 min).