Role of pollen beetles (Carpophilus aterrimus: Nitidulidae) in cotton pollination and their interaction with honeybees (Apis mellifera: Apidae)

Background: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is an important global crop, and insect-mediated pollination significantly influences its productivity. Although honeybees (Apis mellifera) are widely recognized as effective cotton pollinators, other insect visitors, such as pollen beetles (Carpophilus aterrimus), frequently occur in cotton fields, but their role in pollination remains poorly understood.

Aim: This study investigated the role of C. aterrimus in cotton pollination and examined how its presence affects honeybee foraging behavior. Understanding these interactions under Australian field conditions would provide valuable insights for optimizing integrated pest and pollinator management strategies in cotton agroecosystems.

Methods: Experiments were conducted in Narrabri, Australia, using a combination of caging and bagging trials. Periodic observations were carried out throughout the cotton flowering period to assess the impact of beetle presence on honeybee visitation.

Results: Carpophilus aterrimus did not enhance cotton yield, and high beetle densities negatively affected boll set and deterred honeybee visitation.

Conclusion: Carpophilus aterrimus is not an effective pollinator and may reduce cotton productivity.