Introduction of Insect Pollinators Associated with Niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass.] Crop: A Review
Dwarka
Department of Entomology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, College of Agriculture, Panna, Madhya Pradesh, 488001, India.
S.G. Ghugal
Department of Entomology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, College of Agriculture, Powarkheda, Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, 461110, India.
Gagandeep Singh Patel
Department of Agriculture Extension, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, College of Agriculture, Panna, Madhya Pradesh, 488001, India.
Pankaj Kumar
Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 482021, India.
Nisha Chadar *
Department of Botany, MCBU, Post Graduate Excellence College, Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, 472001, India.
Anand Kumar Panday
Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Lakhimpur Kheri Campus, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh- 262701, India.
Sanjay Kumar Tripathi
Department of Crop Physiology, College of Agriculture, Lakhimpur Kheri Campus, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh- 262701, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Insect pollinators are critical to global agricultural productivity, with their ecosystem services directly influencing crop yield and quality. This review focuses on the role of insect pollinators in enhancing the yield and quality of Guizotia abyssinica, an important oilseed crop cultivated primarily in Africa and Asia. Niger, which relies heavily on cross-pollination, benefits immensely from the activities of honeybees, wild bees and other pollinators. Pollination by insects has been shown to increase seed set, oil content, and overall yield, making it a key factor in the crop’s cultivation. However, challenges such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change threaten pollinator populations, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and conservation efforts. This review highlights the importance of integrating pollination management strategies into Niger farming systems, including the introduction of managed pollinators, habitat conservation, and farmer education. Addressing these challenges can not only improve Niger yields but also promote biodiversity and resilience in agricultural ecosystems.
Keywords: Insect pollinators, Niger farming systems, climate change threaten, Niger crop and honeybees