Species richness and abundance of insect pollinators on pear blossoms in Kashmir Himalayans

Investigations on species richness and abundance of insect pollinators on pear blossoms in Kashmir Himalayan region carried out in 3 experimental orchards during March-April, 2013, revealed preponderance of 18 species of insect pollinators, falling under 14 genera, 3 orders and 8 families, visiting pear flowers in the area. Analysis of data on their relative abundance indicated that the native bee, Lasioglossum marginatum with relative abundance of 12.6, 12.2 and 13.2 per cent in the 3 experimental orchards, respectively was the most abundant insect visitor. Foraging population of honey bee responded differently to abiotic factors. Peak activity of hymenopteran and trichopteran visitors was observed between 12:00–02:00 p.m. and showed a positive and significant correlation with temperature and negative correlation with relative humidity. Activity of dipteran visitors at peak was recorded between 08:00–09:00 a.m. and showed a negative and significant correlation with the temperature but positive and significant correlation with relative humidity.