Effect of insecticidal application on pollinators and their pollination efficiency on safflower

Among all the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) foragers, Apis dorsata was found more efficient pollinator with highest pollination index (2503.178) during year 2020. It was observed that pollination index of all the pollinators decreased in plot treated with insecticide. Abundance and foraging behavior of pollinators was significantly affected by insecticide. This directly affected pollination efficiency of pollinator. Out of 11 insect visitors on the safflowers, nine insects in control plot and four insect in treated plot reported as pollinators. Percent sensitivity of Apis spp. to insecticide was found more than other visitors. In treated plot, abundance of A. mellifera was decreased by 70.17% while foraging rate was decreased by 58.11%. Foraging duration of A. dorsata was reported to increased up to 42.97%.