Temporal dynamics of mango flower visitors and their contribution in pollination

Insect pollination is essential for fruit set in mango (in cv. Dushehari). Insects visiting mango bloom were recorded during 2016 in three orchards located in major mango-growing areas in Lucknow. Thirty-four distinct species (identified upto genus level) were found. Most of them belonged to the orders Diptera (16), Hymenoptera (13) and Coleoptera (5). The effectiveness of pollinators was assessed in one orchard. Highest number of flowers were pollinated under open pollination condition (41%) followed by diurnal pollination (33%). There was no fruit (incipient) set on completely bagged panicles.