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VOL. 10, ISSUE 9 (2025)
Three-month comparative assessment of insect diversity in a monoculture and a mixed-crop fields in Bazpur, Uttarakhand
Authors
Kamaldeep Shriwal, Atul Upreti
Abstract
Insects play essential ecological roles in agricultural ecosystems,
influencing productivity, pollination, pest regulation, and nutrient cycling.
This study investigated the diversity and relative abundance of insect species
across two contrasting agroecosystems in Bazpur, Udham Singh Nagar district,
Uttarakhand, India: A Poplar tree monoculture field (Site A) and a mixed crop
and vegetable field (Site B). Field sampling was conducted from 1 of May 2025
to 31 of July 2025, using sweep netting and hand collection methods during both
morning and evening hours. Insect specimens were identified using standard
taxonomic keys and biodiversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener Index (H′),
Evenness Index (E), and Margalef’s Richness Index (d) were applied to assess
diversity. Site A recorded 10 species from 4 orders and 7 families, with
Orthoptera dominating (50.88% relative abundance). The Shannon-Wiener Index
(H′=2.835), Evenness (E=0.851), and Margalef’s Richness Index (d=3.64)
reflected moderate diversity. In contrast, Site B showed higher diversity with
14 species from 5 orders and 9 families, led by Coleoptera (34.6% relative
abundance). Its diversity indices (H′=2.48, E=0.91, d=2.38) suggest a more
balanced and complex insect community. The findings highlight that crop
diversity and vegetation structure significantly influence insect community
composition. Site B’s diverse cropping system supported a richer and more
ecologically functional insect population compared to the monoculture in Site
A. This study emphasizes the importance of diversified agroecosystems for sustaining
insect biodiversity and promoting ecosystem services essential to sustainable
agriculture.
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Pages:8-16
How to cite this article:
Kamaldeep Shriwal, Atul Upreti "Three-month comparative assessment of insect diversity in a monoculture and a mixed-crop fields in Bazpur, Uttarakhand". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2025, Pages 8-16
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