The behavior of insect pollinators in a teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) clonal seed orchard with weedy understory in East Java

Abstract

Teak is an insect-pollinated species, and seed production depends on pollinators. The objectives of this study were to determine potential pollinators of teak and their foraging behavior in obtaining alternate food sources as the basis for management recommendations. Four traps, i.e. Moczarsky-Winkler selector traps, sticky traps, yellow-pan traps, and manual traps (insect net), were put up among blooming inflorescences during the flowering period of March to May. Insects were collected and counted weekly and identified. The presence and location of the pollen on their bodies were observed. The time and duration of foraging behavior, the duration of a single visit, the number of visits in an hour, and the landing position when approaching the teak flower as well as the understory were also observed. The result showed Ceratina sp., and Braunsapis sp. (Apidae), Nomia sp. (Halictidae) were potential teak pollinators in the CSO in East Java. The insect foraging behavior supports the ability to deposit pollen onto the stigma. The presence of Mimosa pudica in the understory plays as an alternate food source for pollinators. Intensive weeding and trimming of old or dead branches should be less practiced to enhance pollinators’ populations and nesting sites.