DefinePK

Abstract

Insect pollinators community on avocado (Persea americana) and citrus (Citrus limon) at Horticulture orchard of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan was assessed during March-April, 2013. Eight insect pollinator species viz. Apis florea, Xylocopa sp, Pieris brassicae, Danaus plexippus, Papilio demoleus, Papilio hyale, Eumerus tuberculatus and Musca domestica were observed visiting regularly on fruiting trees. Foraging activity of pollinating insects from Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera was observed during flowering season both fruit trees at four time intervals viz., 0800-0900, 1100-1200, 1400-1500 and 1700-1800 hours. Foraging activity of insect pollinators was highest at 0800-0900 and lowest during 1700-1800 hours. Hymenopteran pollinators were higher in numbers (42%) followed by Lepidopterans (33%) and Dipterans (25%). A. florea, E. tuberculatus, and P. demoleus were consistent and frequent visitor on both fruit plants.