Insect floral visitors of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

Insect floral visitors of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

2013

E07989

The abundance and diversity of cowpea insect flower visitors were assessed at the Teaching and Research farm of the University of Cape Coast from June to July 2008. Collection of the flower visitors was carried out using insect sweep net. The visiting times of the bee species to the cowpea flower was also studied by direct observation. Out of the 561 individual insects collected 58.5% were bees whereas 41.5% were non-bee species including wasps, ants, butterflies, flies, bugs and beetles. The bee fauna comprising 12 species, belonged to three families (Apidae, Megachilidae and Halictidae). With the exception of Dactylurina staudingeri, all the species foraged for pollen and nectar. Apis mellifera and D. staudingeri were observed foraging from immature pods, flower buds and peduncles of both flowers and pods. The foraging resources of flower visitors collected as well as their activities on the cowpea flowers suggest pollen movement which could lead to cross pollination.

4(4):12-18, ANNALS OF BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Research > Published Articles