Pollination and Pollinators of Spice Crops

Pollination is often taken for granted and is considered as a free service, though it is an important regulatory ecosystem service and is fundamental to the reproduction of flowering plants. Nearly 87% of all flowering plants in the world depend on animals, mostly insects for pollination, and nearly 75% of our food plants show increased fruit or seed set with insect visitation. Pollination and pollinators are responsible for nearly one-third of the food consumed by humans. In addition, pollinators also play a major role in maintenance of the ecosystem. Spice crops being economically important, it is important to understand the mode of pollination and the pollinators involved. In this chapter, we discuss the pollination biology of 25 species of spice crops. Under each crop we highlight the mode of pollination and the importance of flower visitors. We provide available information on floral biology, flower visitors, and pollination. We have also given information on the most efficient pollinator, wherever available. Research gaps in some of the crops with reference to pollination are also indicated.