Insects as pollinators of mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Abstract

Large native insect species where shown to pollinate Mangifera indica L. in northern Australia. The most effective insect pollinators, in decreasing order of efficiency, were:- wasps; native bees; large ants; large flies. It was found that the most efficient pollinators carried large numbers of pollen grains. Large Diptera and the native bee Trigona sp. , were the most vagile insect visitors and probably the most effective cross pollinators. Meat ants Iridomyrmex sp. (purpureus group) were probably effective pollen vectors on self-compatible mango varieties. Species of small ants in the study area did not pollinate mango flowers. Show more