The insect Blastophaga grossorum is associated with the pollination of

Options

A. Mango
B. Paddy
C. Beans
D. Ficus

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the association of the insect Blastophaga grossorum with pollination. We need to identify which plant it is primarily associated with among the given options: mango, paddy, beans, and ficus.

2. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Mango**: Mango flowers are pollinated by a variety of insects, including bees, wasps, and flies, as well as by wind. There is no specific association with Blastophaga grossorum.
- **Paddy**: Paddy (rice) is primarily wind-pollinated. It does not rely on insects for pollination, so it is not associated with Blastophaga grossorum.
- **Beans**: Beans predominantly undergo self-pollination and rarely require pollinators. Thus, they are not associated with Blastophaga grossorum.
- **Ficus (Fig Tree)**: The fig tree has a unique pollination system where specific wasps, including Blastophaga grossorum, enter the fig flowers through an opening called the ostiole. The wasps pollinate the flowers while laying their eggs, and often the mother wasp dies in the process.

3. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the insect Blastophaga grossorum is specifically associated with the pollination of the ficus (fig tree).

4. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is **Ficus**.

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