Pollination Efficiency of Major Insect Pollinators of Pumpkin, Cucurbita moschata (Duch. ex Lam)” Crop in Different Varieties

Pollination efficiency of A. dorsata on pumpkin flowers under agro-ecological conditions of Hisar (Haryana) was much more than the efficiency of A. mellifera, A. cerana and A. florea. The mean pollen carrying capacity of A. dorsata was recorded highest 188000 followed by 142000, 122000 and 88000 by A. mellifera, A. cerana and A. florea, respectively in pumpkin (C-1076) while in pumpkin cultivars (C1106), mean pollen carrying capacity of A. dorsata was recorded highest 170000 followed by 138000, 104000 and 78000 by A. mellifera, A. cerana and A. florea, respectively. The bigger body size and higher density of body hairs of A. dorsata made it to carry more pollen grains among the four honey bee species. Pollination index/efficiency of A. dorsata was recorded (3077184 and 2747115) followed by A. mellifera (1584460 and 1535559), A. cerana (930347 and 930176) and A. florea (41236 and 50688) in C1076 and C-1106, respectively. Hence, it is concluded that A. dorsata was most efficient pollinator followed by A. mellifera, A. cerana, and A. florea in both varieties.