DIVERSITY, ABUNDANCE, AND POLLINATION ROLE OF HYMENOPTERAN INSECTS IN OILSEED CROPS (SUNFLOWER AND NIGER) IN JUNNAR REGION, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
Keywords:
Hymenoptera, pollination, sunflower, niger, Sampson diversity index,,,Abstract
Hymenopteran insects play a vital role in pollination and ecosystem functioning, particularly in
agro-ecosystems dominated by oilseed crops. The present study was conducted in the Junnar
region of Maharashtra to investigate the diversity, abundance, and pollination potential of
hymenopteran insects associated with sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and niger (Guizotia
abyssinica). A total of 16 study sites were surveyed, and insects were collected using
standardized sweep netting methods. During the study, 19 species belonging to 7 families were
recorded, comprising 2788 individuals. The family Apidae dominated the assemblage (72.27%),
followed by Ichneumonidae (7.39%) and Vespidae (7.35%). Simpson’s diversity index ranged
from 0.80 to 0.90, indicating high species diversity and evenness across sites. The high visitation
frequency of Apidae species confirmed their role as major pollinators of sunflower and niger
crops. The study highlights the ecological importance of hymenopteran insects in agro
ecosystems and emphasizes the need for pollinator conservation to ensure sustainable
agricultural productivity.
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