Insect Pollinators and Floral Visitors of Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv.Carabao)

Abstract

In mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Carabao), the efficiency of insect pollinators such as Trigona biroiFriese, honeybees (Apis cerana Fabricius and Apis mellifera Linn.), and flies (Chrysomya sp. andEristalis sp.) was compared at Opina’s Mango Farm, in Barangay Sirang-Lupa, Calamba City, Lagunafrom 03 November 2006 to 10 April 2007. The relative abundance and foraging behavior of insectpollinators was also documented. Some aspects of the floral biology of mango were observed as itinfluenced pollinator foraging.

A total of 21 insect species belonging to five orders visited mango flowers. The primary pollinatorswere stingless bees (Trigona biroi), calliphorids (Chrysomya spp.), syrphids (Eristalis spp.) and honeybees (Apis cerana and A. mellifera). Pollinators actively foraged from 700–1059 h, with the peak periodoccurring at 800–859 h. The foraging activities of the pollinators synchronized with anthesis. Prior tothe introduction of bee colonies in the mango farm, the fruit set in caged (2.13%) and uncaged (3.34%)inflorescences did not vary. After the introduction of bee colonies, the fruit set in the uncaged inflores-cence (41%) was significantly higher than that in the caged inflorescence (0.7%). The terminal inflores-cence, floral longevity (5 d) and scent, and sticky pollen provided enabling conditions for insect pollina-tion.