Surveillance Of Insect Pollinators On Cucumbers And Their Effect On Its Yield

Abstract

Pollination can be an essential but often neglected ecosystem service to diminish crop yield gaps. The objective of
this experiment was to study the effect of pollinators on the yield of cucumber and to identify the pollinator visiting
the crop. The experiment was distributed into two plots: caged and uncovered, both replicated four times . The data
were recorded on weekly basis. Ripe cucumbers were collected and weighed. Pollinators observed were brought to
the entomology museum and were identified by comparison with already identified specimens and expert
entomologists. Also photographs were taken of these insect pollinators. Research findings showed that the yield of
un-caged plot was significantly higher than the caged one. Results showed that significant increase in the yield has
occurred due to pollination by insect. The plant that were covered produced 11.20, 17.25, 22.2 and 10.0 in May,
June, July and August respectively as compared to the uncovered plot which produced 18.03, 25.91, 35.81, and 15.20
during May, June, July and August respectively. Data analysis showed that increased in yield has occurred throughout
the growing season of the crop. This clearly shows the positive impact of pollinator on the cucumber yield.
Identification results of pollinators showed that four species of honey bees i.e. Small Honey bee (Apis florea), Rock
honey bee (Apis cerana), giant honey bee (Apis dorsata), European honey bee (Apis mellifora), three species of
Bumble bees, i.e. (Bumbussp. 1, Bumbussp 2, Bumbussp. 3), three species of butterflies i.e. cabbage butterfly (Pieris
brassicacy Ak. butterfly, (Dainuschrysippusi, alfalfa butterfly (Coliaserate) and syrphid fly (Syrphissp.) visit cucumber
flowers.