Impact of Agrochemicals on the Abundance and Diversity of Odonata In Rice Fields

A study was designed to ascertain the impact of agrochemicals on the biodiversity of Odonata in rice fields at a Wetland farm. Adult Odonata diversity was assessed at weekly intervals from two rice fields, one with normal application of agrochemicals and other without any agrochemicals application (control). Eighteen and ten species of Odonata were recorded in Control Rice Field (CRF) and Agrochemicals Applied Rice Field (AARF), respectively. Odonata abundance, diversity and species richness was higher in CRF than AARF. Among the different stages of the rice crop, active tillering stage had Maximum abundance, diversity and species richness of Odonata. Among the families, Libellulidae was dominant in both CRF and AARF. Among the species, Diplacodes trivialis (Rambur) and Pantalaflavescens (Fabricius) (Anisoptera) were dominant in CRF and AARF, respectively and Ischnura aurora (Brauer) (Zygoptera) was abundant in both CRF and AARF. Eight species of Odonata, which were present in CRF and absent in AARF, may be identified as indicator Odonata species for agrochemicals contamination in rice ecosystem.