Diversity and flower visiting patterns of insect pollinators in Malta (Citrus sinensis) Orchards of Kumaun, Western Himalaya, India

The diversity of insect pollinators and their frequent flower-visiting can improve the yield of pollination-dependent horticulture crops. To estimate the diversity and flower-visiting frequency of insect visitors, including pollinators associated with Malta (Citrus sinensis) was conducted in Kumaun, Western Himalaya, India. The scan sampling method opted for availability (diversity and frequency) assessment of insect visitors and transect walks for assessing foraging resources across Malta orchards. A total of 32 species of insect flower visitors associated with the Malta blooms were recorded belonging to the different insect groups during the study period. Among the observed flower visitors, the Indian honeybee (Apis cerana) was the most frequent visitor followed by Bumble bee (Bombus haemorrhoidalis), Carpenter bee (Xylocopa fenestrata), Butterflies (Pieris brassicae), Drone flies (Eristalis tenax, E. arvorum), and Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus). During the study, 54 species of potential bee flora (pollen and nectar) useful for forage and nesting of honey bees, solitary bees, and other associated insects were identified in and around the sampling site. Management of bee flora around the Malta orchards during the bloom is recommended for maintaining pollinator diversity and improving pollination services.