THE ROLE AND BEHAVIOR OF SOME MAJOR INSECT POLLINATORS ON POLLINATION OF TEAK FLOWERS (TECTONA GRANDIS LINN.F. )

Abstract

Studies of the role and behavior of major insect pollinators on pollination of teak flowers (Tectona grandis Linn.f.) were carried out at Maegar Seed Orchard, Phayao Province during July 1998-October 2000. The studies focused on diversity of insects on teak inflorescence, foraging visitors behavior, visitation rate, frequency of each species and amount of pollen grain transferred. The insects visiting on teak flowers are comprising of 59 species, in 23 Families which belongs to 3 Orders (Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera). The highest visitation of all pollinators is found during 10.00-12.00 a.m. The major insect pollinators are Trigona collina, T. terminata, T. laeviceps, Nomia sp. and Ceratina spp. The successful of pollen transferred are 65.5 percent, T. collina is the most frequently visitor (73.95%). The foraging behavior of Nomia sp. takes only 1.85 second per flower which transferred the highest number of pollen (6-7 grain per visit).