AGERATUM CONYZOIDES - A MENACE TO CROP POLLINATION

摘要

A recent melissopalynological survey of squeezed and apiary honey samples in regional basis, showed the dominance of pollen of the weed Ageraium conyzoides in the pollen spectra of the honey samples originated from several districts of UP. The weed emerged as prominent pollen type in the spectra of 3 unifloral honey samples belonging to the districts Gorakhpur, lucknow and Sitapur and contributed second highest percentage as individual pollen type in 5 multifloral honeys from Jaunpur. Lucknow (secondsample). Sultanpur, Unnao and Nainital (Uttaranchal). The finding confirms preference of bees to the weed as their forage. As almost 85% of the crop plants are cross pollinated, the role of the pollinators in crop yield is well estimated and bees are rated as best performers in relation to the pollination service. In the context of the characteristic behavior of 'floral fidelity' of the bees, the findings of the present paper creates concern as presence of the weed Ageratum in the vicinity of the cropfield may distract the bees and pose potential hindrance to ensure pollination service to the local crops flowering synchronously.