Effect of Nitrophos Fertilizer on Pollinator Dynamics and Onion Seed Yield.

Abstract

The yield of flowering crops depends on multiple factors, with pollination and the availability of nutrients being particularly crucial. However, fewer studies have explored the combined effects of nutrients and insect-mediated pollination on onions (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.). Here, we studied how different levels of insect pollination (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) and nitrophos fertilizer application (188, 375, and 750 kg/hectare) affect onion seed yield. We found that pollination benefits to yield were maximum at intermediate levels of nitrophos availability. A higher pollinator abundance was recorded at a high nitrophos level, followed by intermediate and low levels. Syrphid flies and honey bees were the most abundant insect pollinators. The abundance of honey bees was higher at a low nitrophos level, while syrphid flies were more abundant at a higher nitrophos level. Moreover, the umbel weight and seed number were higher at the intermediate fertilizer level. Also, single visits by insect pollinators were observed, and the highest umbel weight was found at the intermediate fertilizer level with a single visit from <i>A. florea</i>. This finding provides evidence that resource and pollination availability have interactive, nonlinear effects on seed production. Our results also support ecological intensification as a reliable strategy for sustainable agro-ecosystem management.