Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Journal of Economic ...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Journal of Economic Entomology
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: OUP Standard Publication Reuse
Data sources: Crossref
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

Diurnal hawkmoths as alternative pollinators for bitter gourd

Authors: Shigeki Kishi; Tomoya Tawaratsumida; Yoshihiro Tanaka; Tsunashi Kamo; Masayoshi K Hiraiwa; Aoi Nikkeshi;

Diurnal hawkmoths as alternative pollinators for bitter gourd

Abstract

Abstract Bitter gourd, Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae), is a major vegetable crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Honeybees are considered the primary pollinators of bitter gourd, but they often favor male flowers, which offer nectar and pollen rewards, over female flowers, which do not. This preference can lead to pollination deficiency in bitter gourd. Therefore, exploring alternative pollinators for bitter gourd is crucial to ensure efficient pollination and optimal fruit production, especially in greenhouse settings where honeybee pollination may be less effective. We investigated the pollination efficiency of diurnal hawkmoths and compared it with that of honeybees, bumblebees, and small bees. Our findings revealed that hawkmoths exhibit equal visitation rates to both male and female bitter gourd flowers and deposit a significantly greater number of pollen grains per visit than those bees. This high pollination efficiency, combined with their nonselective flower visitation behavior, makes hawkmoths a promising alternative pollinator for bitter gourd. Our results suggest that hawkmoths could be effective pollinator agents for bitter gourd, especially in greenhouse settings. This discovery opens up new possibilities for sustainable agriculture and could lead to improved pollination strategies for bitter gourd and other cucurbit crops.

Keywords

Male, Momordica charantia, Animals, Female, Flowers, Moths, Bees, Pollination

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Upload OA version
Are you the author of this publication? Upload your Open Access version to Zenodo!
It’s fast and easy, just two clicks!