ARTI SAXENA
Abstract
Decay and decomposition of Guava (Psidium guajava) fruits have been studied in the natural conditions in a garden soil at Rewa (M.P.) Insects were counted, collected and identified at each stage of decaying fruits and their qualitative and quantitative analysis was done. The experimental fruits took about 3 weeks for their complete decomposition and during this period insects of 6 Orders, 33 Families, 49 Genera and 54 Species were found associated with them. Among these, Order Coleoptera, Family Formicidae and Genus Carpophilus were found to be dominant. Only a few insectS were the actual decomposers, while others visited the fruits for various biological functions and some were the accidental visitors. The rate of decomposition of fruits was influenced by not only the morphology, chemical composition and ripeness of fruits, physical and chemical properties of soil and the climatic factors but also the flora and fauna of the experimental site.