Insect Diversity of Pollinators on Pear (Pyrus Communis L) Crop in Shimla Hills of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Pollination is a critical ecosystem service for temperate fruit crops, particularly pear (Pyrus communis L.), which relies heavily on insect-mediated cross-pollination for successful fruit set and yield. This study assessed the diversity, abundance, and composition of insect pollinators visiting pear blossoms in the Shimla hills of Himachal Pradesh. Observations were conducted during peak flowering (March–April) using standardized visual counts and sweep-net sampling between 0900–1500 hrs. A total of XX insect species from four orders (Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera) were recorded. Hymenoptera were the dominant visitors, accounting for 65% of flower visits, with honey bees (Apis mellifera, Apis cerana) and native halictid bees showing the highest visitation frequency and effectiveness. Dipteran pollinators contributed 20% of visits, whereas Lepidoptera and Coleoptera accounted for 10% and 5%, respectively. The findings underscore the importance of both managed and wild pollinators for pear production and suggest that conservation of natural habitats around orchards and reduced pesticide use are essential for maintaining pollinator diversity and enhancing fruit yield in the temperate Himalayan region.