A Scientific Note on Insect Anthophiles and Ridge Gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.] Pollination

Present investigation was aimed to assess the anthophiles of Luffa acutangula and their contribution to pollination. For this, number of visits made by each species of anthophile and their foraging behaviour in a L. acutangula orchard not supplemented with bee colonies were studied. Eight species of insect anthophiles visiting L. acutangula flower were recorded. Hymenoptera was the dominant order followed by Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. During the present study, Xylocopa collaris, X. tenuiscapa, X. aestuans, X. violacea and Pelopidas mathias visited more flowers per unit time and spent more time on flowers increasing the probability of stigma contact and fertilization. Thus, from the study, it can be concluded that these insects may serve as important pollinator for organic and sustainable agriculture of L. acutangula. Coccinelid beetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata), pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora palliata) and ant (Lasius niger) had lower contribution to pollination.