Journal of Environmental Biology

Studies on insect diversity in jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) ecosystem

U. Pirithiraj¹, R.P. Soundararajan²*, C.G.L. Justin¹ and V. Lakshmanan³ 

¹Department of Plant Protection, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli - 620 027

²Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, Tiruchirappalli - 620 027

³Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, Tiruchirappalli - 620 027

*Corresponding Author Email : sound73insect@gmail.com

Received: 24.07.2020                                                                           Revised: 24.02.2021                                                                Accepted: 04.05.2021

Abstract

Aim: Study was carried out to record the abundance and diversity of insects in jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) ecosystem.

Methodology: To determine insect pests, natural enemies and non-insect diversity, fortnight observations were taken from second fortnight of September'19 to March'20 on insect population at three adjacent locations. Abundance and diversity indices were computed using mean data. The management practices, presence of weeds and adjacent cropping systems were also recorded at three locations to determine the reasons for variation in the diversity of organisms.

Results: A total of 3335 individuals arthropods belonging to 55 species, which included 32 species of herbivores and 23 species of natural enemies were recorded throughout the study period. Location 3 had perennial crops in the vicinity, un-weeded ecosystem with no chemical inputs. Among various diversity indices calculated, Margalef Richness Index of herbivores was higher at location 3 (1.67) than location 1 (1.17) and 2 (0.76).

Interpretation: The abundance and diversity of insects in different jasmine ecosystem depends on the chemical inputs and adjacent cropping system.       

Key words: Arthropods, Diversity indices, Insects, Jasmine

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