Diversity and Relative Abundance of Different Pollinators in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Abstract

The study on insect pollinator diversity and their abundance on cucumber flowers was conducted at the Vegetable Research Station, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 2023 - 2024. A total of 25 species, including 13 species of Hymenoptera, five species of Diptera, five species of Lepidoptera and two species of Coleoptera were documented. Of which, Hymenoptera was found to be most abundant, accounting for 72.17% followed by Diptera at 16.49%. Among the families, Apidae was observed as most dominant, with a high abundance and species diversity at 49.48% followed by Syrphidae at 9.28%. The families Sphecidae, Hesperiidae, and Calliphoridae each had the least abundance at 1.03%. Apis dorsata Fabricius was reported as most abundant species at 12.37% followed by Apis cerana indica, Ceratina binghami Cockerell and Camponotus compressus Fab. each at 8.25%. The species Acraea terpsicore (0.82%) had the lowest abundance. In recent years due to urbanization and fragmentation a decreased trend in pollinator activity had been observed so this research provides the base line data about the existing pollinator species diversity in the study area which offer insights for taking appropriate management practices to conserve the pollinator species.