Honey Bee Pollinators for Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is highly cross pollinated and its qualitative viz., germination%, seed viability etc. and quantitative viz., yield, productivity etc. attributes highly depends upon the insect pollination. A total of 18 insect species belonged to 3 different families. The insect species belonged to family Hymenoptera viz., Apis mellifera L., A. dorsata F., A. florea F., A. cerana F. were the most frequent and abundant pollinators. The most abundant pollinator was A. mellifera (6.8 bees/m2/5 minutes) while least was A. cerana (1.4 bees/m2/5 minutes). The highest pollinator's population was (6.5 bees/m2/5 minutes) observed at 1100-1300 h of the day, irrespective of species. The honey bees commenced their activity between 0800-0850 hours, whereas ceased 1730-1830 hours of the day. The maximum foraging speed and rate was recorded in A. mellifera (8.42 seconds/flower) and A. cerana (10.33 flowers/minute). The most efficient pollinator was A. mellifera (2261000) whereas least in A. cerana (295750) pollination efficiency. The qualitative and quantitative attributes of the crop was correlated significantly higher under uncaged as compared to caged conditions.