The effect of pollinator insect visitation on flower development and productivity of chilli plant

Abstract

This research aimed to find out; (1) the pollinator insect diversity of chili plant; and (2) the effect of pollinator insect visitation on flower development and productivity of chili plant. This experimental study was designed with a factorial completely randomized design. The independent variable was visitation of pollinator insect on plant, while the dependent variables were pollinator insect diversity, flower development, and productivity of chili plant. Each treatment consisted of 5 replicating plots, and each plot contained 4 potted plants. Flower development observation was carried out as long as the chili plant flowering. As supporting data were the frequency and longevity of pollinator visiting. The results showed pollinator insects on chili plants were Trigona, Apis, Lasioglossum, and Camponotus. The highest frequency of visitation were Trigona and Camponotus, while the highest longevity was Camponotus. The inhibitory treatment of pollinator insect visitation caused the plant began to flower more slowly and the flower bloomed last longer. The plant was also harvested 2 months slower, and the average number and weight of fruit per plant tended to be lower.