Assemblages of Insect Pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 (Brassica rapa L.) Cultivation Fields at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

The provision of pollination services by pollinators is threatened by declines in their abundance and diversity. The reduction in pollinator populations may result in a decline in plant species diversity. Research on insect pollinators is a significant topic of discussion among researchers worldwide, primarily due to population declines attributed to various stressors, including climate change and the scarcity of floral resources. This study investigates the variety and quantity of insect pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 (Brassica rapa L.) Cultivation Fields at the University of Rajshahi are crucial to the success of agro-ecosystems. From November 2024 to February 2025, a field investigation was conducted to explore the diversity of insect pollinators. A total of 382 individuals belonging to 33 species of 17 families and 4 insect orders viz., Hymenoptera (6), Diptera (16), Lepidoptera (10), and Odonata (1) recorded in the mustard field. Dipterans were predominant (45.52%) and it was followed by Hymenoptera (42.67%), Lepidoptera (10.48%), and Odonata (0.79%). The diversity indexes were as follows: H' = 3.82, Evenness (E) = 0.8708, and Simpson Index = 0.9413. The significant variety and uniform distribution of insect pollinators in BARI Sarisha-17 fields underscore their essential function in facilitating pollination and improving crop yield. These results highlight the need to preserve pollinator habitats in agricultural settings to guarantee sustained crop production and ecosystem vitality. The findings highlight the ecological importance of pollinators in magnifying crop productivity through effective pollination services. Preserving such agroecosystems is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture and food security in the region.