Vol. 11, Special Issue 10 (2022)

Author(s):
Uzma Arifie, Manzoor Ahmad Paray, Parveena Bano, Fehim Jeelani, Khalid Rasool, Raihana Habib Kanth, Humira Mushtaq, Rumisa Ashraf and Sheikh Aafreen Rehman

Abstract:
The conservation of native insect pollinators provides pollination insurance against the loss of managed honeybees. In order to conserve native insect pollinators, it is imperative to identify and augment the sources of pollen and nectar in the natural habitats. This study was carried out in Kashmir Karewas that act as refugia for native insect pollinators with an aim to identify the sources of sustenance for native insect pollinators. A total of 36 flora species belonging to 34 genera and 19 families of kingdom Plantae were identified as potential sustenance sources and preferred by different native insect pollinators, in addition to honeybees. The flora was available from the month of February till November. The knowledge about the flora preferred by native insect pollinators will help to augment the availability of nectar and pollen to native insect pollinators and safeguard the population of insect pollinators in the area.