Insect Pollinators On Canola Crops Peshawar

Abstract

The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, team conducted a study with the aim of studying the detailed activity of the community of pollinators, that are interacting within the canola crop during, 2019-2020, at the newly development farm (NDF). This research was able to report a diverse community of insect pollinators, with 15 species, from a variety of orders and families. One aspect of the study, which were are happy to report is the species composition of said pollinators. A highlight was the order Diptera, that had 8 species. Also fairly representative was family Syrphidae, which is known for its pollination services, which was also well-represented with 7 species. The family Apidae, which is part of the order Hymenoptera, had 4 species. To complete the picture of insects interacting in the canola, there were two more species of Lepidoptera and one of Coleoptera. Of significance were the activity patterns of the all these pollinators. Of interest is the European (honey) bees, mainly species of Apis mellifera, remained consistently active throughout the day, as the main pollinator for the canola. Similarly, European hoverflies, represented by Eristalis tenax, showed an impressive consistency in activity, further supporting their role in contributing to pollination. Hoverflies, the most abundant members of the dipteran family Syrphidae, served as important participants in the pollination role. To a lesser degree, other common hover flies such as the Common hover fly (Ischiodon scutellaris), and long hover fly (Sphaerophora scripta), showed considerable biomass during falls from the group. Their consistent presence and activity show their importance in the reproductive success, and ultimately, seed production for canola plants. In addition, while the individual role of specific pollinator species is important, the research also emphasized the importance of conserving biodiversity within canola fields. As it illustrated to us the importance of benefits in biodiversity when presenting diverse and functional floral resources, the conclusion of the study reflected an urgency to enact steps to conserve, and effectively manage, pollinator species. Conservation and management practices are important in stabilizing the sustainability of canola populations and farm production longevity using sustainable cropping production methods.