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VOL. 9, ISSUE 2 (2024)
Diversity and relative abundance of honey bee species (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on black mustard (Brassica nigra) in agroecosystems of Nainital district, Uttarakhand
Authors
Akanksha Singh, Himanshu Pande
Abstract
Investigation was carried out on diversity and
relative abundance of Apis species on Brassica nigra during
blooming period (February- April 2023) in croplands of Khurpatal (Site I) and
Mangoli (Site II) villages, located in hilly areas of district Nainital,
Uttarakhand. Diversity studies revealed that two Apis species—Apis
dorsata and Apis cerana indica—visited the black mustard flowers.
The number of honey bees (irrespective of species) foraging were comparatively
higher during full bloom rather than the onset and end of flowering. Among the
two species observed, the maximum population per m2/10 min (by sweep
net method) was found to be of A. cerana indica (34.78) and (36.2) at
Site I and Site II, respectively. However, the population per m2/10
min of A. dorsata was found to be (6.86) and (7.18) at Site I and Site
II, respectively. Both the diversity indices i.e., Shannon diversity index and
Evenness index was found to be highest in Mangoli village (H= 0.4554) (E=
0.657) followed by Khurpatal village (H= 0.4516) (E= 0.6516). However,
Margalef’s index appeared to be higher in Khurpatal village (d= 0.1316)
followed by Mangoli village (d= 0.130). Besides, A. mellifera and A.
florae also contribute in pollination services but these were not observed
in the croplands during the study period.
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Pages:5-9
How to cite this article:
Akanksha Singh, Himanshu Pande "Diversity and relative abundance of honey bee species (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on black mustard (<i>Brassica nigra</i>) in agroecosystems of Nainital district, Uttarakhand". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 2, 2024, Pages 5-9
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