Abstract

Background:
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is an important global crop, and its productivity is significantly influenced by insect-mediated pollination. While honeybees (Apis mellifera) are widely recognized as effective pollinators of cotton, 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 flower bagging trials. To assess the impact of beetle presence on honeybee visitation, periodic observations were carried out throughout the peak cotton flowering period.

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.

Key words: Carpophilus aterrimus; Apis mellifera; Pollination efficiency; Productivity; Honeybee-beetle interaction.