Molecular characterization and identification of insect pollinators of Punica granatum (linnaeus) from western Himalaya, India

Wild pomegranate Punica granatum is one of the most important wild fruit crop, highly pollinated by wild insect pollinators. Present study analyzed the pollinating insect species using molecular method. About 17 pollinator species were characterized and identified using mtCO1. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the close phylogenetic relation between hymenopteran insect species in one clade, whereas another clade showing relationship between lepidoptera, Coleopteran and Diptera.