Diversity of Insect Pollinators of Marigold (<i>Tagetes erecta</i> L.) in and around Joysagar Area of Sivasagar, Assam

Extensive surveys were undertaken in and around Joysagar area of Sivasagar, Assam during 2022-24 to delineate the species diversity of insect pollinators of Tagetes erecta L (marigold). Weekly observations within the study area revealed that, T. erecta were visited by total 2305 individuals of 45 species from 23 families and 5 orders of insect pollinators. Order Lepidoptera with 18 species has the highest diversity of insect pollinators followed by Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Pieris canidia Linnaues (Indian cabbage white) was found to be highly abundant, whereas, Cethosia biblis Drury (Red lacewing) shows lowest abundance. The study recorded highest diversity and abundance during the midday (11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.) as compared to morning (8:00-10:00 a.m.) and evening (2:00-5:00 p.m.). The insect pollinators of T. erecta were observed by taking three different sampling sites- SITE A (Self-made garden at Demow Pathar), SITE B (Home gardens of the suburban region within the study area where T. erecta are blooming), SITE C (Patches of T. erecta at Sibsagar University, Joysagar) campus. Based on the diversity indices, study area has a strong diversity of insect pollinators of T. erecta and self made garden has the higher diversity index (H΄=3.442, D= 0.04064) than the other sites.