Pollination Efficiency of Abundant Insect Species of Lentil Lens culinaris Medik. in the Northeastern Algeria (Constantine)

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Baaraouia region (Constantine, northeastern Algeria) during the 2022 flowering season. The objective was to examine the variety of insect pollinators in the lentil crop during its flowering phase. The Hymenoptera order was the predominant insect group recorded, comprising six families and twelve species, notably including two principal pollinators: Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758) and Osmia ferruginea (Latreille, 1811). The findings indicate that the honey bee (Apis mellifera) forages at a quicker pace and transports a greater quantity of pollen grains, while the mason bee (Osmia ferruginea) conducts more efficient visits. Flora, with unrestricted access to pollinating insects yielded a greater quantity and superior quality of seeds compared to those enclosed in bags.