Diversity and Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Sesame, Sesamum indicum Linnaeus

Field study was conducted during the Rabi 2023–24 at the Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Bapatla, to investigate the diversity and abundance of insect pollinators in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Thirty insect species belonging to four orders were recorded visiting sesame flowers. Among these, Apis cerana indica (Indian honey bee) was the most dominant pollinator. The family Megachilidae was dominating among the pollinator guild. Pollinator activity varied throughout the day, gradually increasing from 09:00 h and peaking between 09:30 and 11:05 h, before declining after 14:00 h. However, species Megachile laticeps, Megachile lanata, Megachile cephalotes, Ceratina binghami, and Ceratina sp. exhibited peak activity between 12:30 and 14:05 h. The Shannon–Wiener index (H) was lowest during the early morning hours but increased throughout the day, showing two peaks corresponding to morning and noon activity. Both the Berger-Parker dominance index (d) and Shannon's diversity index showed a positive correlation with floral abundance. These findings highlight the diversity, diurnal activity, and ecological significance of pollinators in sesame, emphasizing the need for their conservation and sustainable management.