FLY-POLLINATION IN SOME INDIAN PLANT SPECIES WITH A NOTE ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH : AN OVERVIEW

摘要

The role of flower-visiting flies, Musca domestica. Eristalis arvarum, Chrysomya megacephala, Rhyncomya viridaurea, Sarcophaga orchidea. Lifyra sphnix and Geron sp. in the pollination of twenty four plant species occurring in Visakhapatnam region hasbeen examined. None of the plant species studied has been exclusively pollinated by flies. Flies are the main pollinators of Avicennia officinalis and Euphorbia antiquorum, major pollinators of Semecarpus anacardium, Sterculia foetida, Cleome chelidoniiand Terminalia tomenlosa and minor pollinators of the remaining plant species. Of the flies. Musca. Chrysomya, Eristalis and Sarcophaga are the most common flower-visitors and collect nectar and pollen as per the requirement. Flies seem to prefer flowerswith less nectar to avoid competition from other categories of insects. Although flies are usually considered to be most undesirable, they have a potential role in the pollination of certain plant species. The study suggests that pollinator flies can bemanaged without any compromise for public health and they may be considered as alternative pollinators for honey bees.