Abstract

                                A pollinator survey was conducted in the Oddanchatram block of Dindigul district, where moringa is grown on a large scale. Several insect pollinators including honey bees, flies, beetles and butterflies were observed in the moringa ecosystem. The foraging behaviour of A. ceranaindica was increased during 0800 to 0900 h, followed by Amegilla zonata, and Episyrpussp. Working hours were high in A. ceranaindica followed by those of Amegilla zonata, Polistessp., A. dorsata, and Xylocopasp. In terms of handling time, A. ceranaindica spent more time, followed by A. dorsata, Amegilla zonata, and Xylocopasp., while Polistes sp. expended less time. The present study indicated that A. ceranaindica was the most abundant pollinator. Yield parameters viz., fruit length, fruit girth, individual fruit weight, and number of fruits per tree were maximum in bee pollinated than control. The colony growth parameters, viz., sealed honey area, pollen area, sealed brood area, and adult bee population, also developed in bee pollinated field. Therefore, by managing Indian honey bee colonies, we can make money on both moringa and colony yield.

Key words : Indian honey bee; Foraging behaviour; Moringa Yield; Colony growth parameters; Efficiency