IPB University Home to 50 Species of Pollinating Insects

Insects play a vital role in supporting the environment, including the IPB University campus. Bees are pollinators, termites are decomposers, and dung beetles help recycle energy. These small animals may seem insignificant, but their silent work keeps the ecosystem sustainable.

The role of pollinating insects is no less vital. Their presence can increase the number of fruits (fruit set) or seeds formed (seed set). Their contribution is very important in maintaining plant diversity through cross-pollination to support plant productivity.

Around the IPB Dramaga campus, at least 50 species of flower-visiting insects have been identified from four orders: Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. These pollinating insects are dominated by the bee groups Apis mellifera, A. cerana, A. dorsata, and Tetragonula laeviceps.

“This is because bees are social insects and live in colonies,” said insect expert and lecturer at the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Nadzirum Mubin, SP, MSi. 

Unfortunately, some people still view insects as harmful pests. In their minds, insects only mean mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches. However, Nadzirum stated that pest insects only make up a very small portion. 

“In fact, the majority are beneficial insects that provide many environmental services. These include food production, conservation of wild plants, and maintaining the stability of the food chain,” he explained.

Land conversion is the biggest challenge. Rampant development has caused their food sources to disappear. As a result, pollinating insects are forced to move in search of food sources.

For Nadzirum, in order to preserve the existence of insects, there needs to be a pollinating insect conservation movement. The method is simple, by planting plants as their food source.

“It doesn’t have to be flowering or ornamental plants, but can also be agricultural/horticultural plants such as chilies, tomatoes, and cucumbers,” said Nadzirum.

The abundant plant diversity on the IPB University campus supports the presence of pollinating insects. In addition to supporting ecology, ornamental plants beautify the campus environment, while horticultural plants increase production, thereby providing economic value to the community. 

“By increasing flowering plants, IPB University becomes a bee-friendly habitat and an important educational center highlighting the significance of preserving these ecosystem-guarding insects,” he concluded. (Ez) (IAAS/FMT)