Articles tagged with Pollinators
Researchers developed a machine learning-based method to identify chemical compounds that can safely repel honey bees from pesticide-treated crops. The model identified 130 compounds with strong potential as bee repellents, which were tested in lab and field experiments, confirming their efficacy.
New research explores monarch butterfly conservation in rangelands and the effectiveness of state regulations for controlling invasive species. Studies reveal that ungrazed pastures support more milkweed and monarch eggs than grazed sites, highlighting the need for selective approaches to conservation.
A study reveals that glacier retreat and changing vegetation may increase the overlap in resource use among bee species, potentially leading to pathogen transmission. This could have significant consequences for pollinator health and ecosystem services.
A new study by the University of Sussex found that honeybees face significant challenges gathering nectar in late summer, especially in August. The researchers discovered that this period is characterized by fewer flowers in bloom and increased competition among pollinators.
A recent study by MSU entomologists found that urban growers' use of pollinator management practices is driven more by access to educational resources and labor than demographics. The researchers surveyed 74 urban growers and found that hard-copy books, online materials, and conversations with fellow growers were the most commonly used...
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that vesper bats have two distinct copies of genes producing antibodies, which helps them recognize and fight infections. This finding opens up new areas of study on the evolution of immunity and how animals respond to diseases.
Researchers found that even morphologically similar pollinators can differ markedly in the diversity and heterospecificity of pollen they transport. This variation has important implications for understanding how different pollinators influence plant reproduction and evolution.
A new study found that biodiversity offset grasslands support twice the number of wild bees compared to existing grasslands, with comparable numbers of hoverfly species. While not perfect replacements, these offsets can provide important resources for pollinators and may be as effective as existing sites in terms of species richness.
Research found that Western honey bees and myrtle rust fungus have formed an invasional mutualism, where the fungus is nutritious for bees. The fungus remains viable in beehives for over a week, potentially spreading human-assisted to other areas.
A new policy brief from PollinERA project outlines a systems-based approach to managing cumulative pesticide impacts across European landscapes. The proposed regional budget system assigns ecological regions an annual toxic-unit budget linked to environmental carrying capacity.
New research finds that higher temperatures can benefit bumble bees with underground nests by allowing them to spend more time foraging, but may devastate those with aboveground nests due to increased cooling costs. The benefits appear to outweigh the costs, but just a few damaging hours of extreme heat could set a colony back.
The study reveals how pollinators support food production and diets, highlighting the risks of biodiversity loss for human health. Simple steps like planting wildflowers or using fewer pesticides can help boost pollinator numbers, strengthening both nature and people's wellbeing.
Researchers find that brief exposure to prallethrin-based insecticides used in mosquito repellents significantly impairs bumblebees' ability to navigate back to their nests. This impairment can lead to reduced food collection and ultimately threaten the survival of entire colonies.
A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that pollinators support diversity in plant communities, with viable seed production falling by 50% and species diversity decreasing by 27%. The study suggests a two-way street between pollinators and diverse landscapes, highlighting the importance of considering pollinator habi...
A new study from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden found that some cultivated plants, such as black-eyed Susan and foxglove beardtongue, can attract pollinators at similar rates to their wild counterparts. This research provides a middle ground for gardeners who want to support pollinators without going fully wild.
A new study from Michigan State University finds that isolated honey bees experience a rapid hormonal rise when exposed to high temperatures, while those in groups remain stable. The discovery highlights the role of social conditions and chemical signals in shaping bees' ability to withstand environmental stress.
Researchers discovered that nocturnal hawkmoths are the main pollinators of Jasminanthes mucronata, a plant species native to Japan producing black nectar. The study highlights the potential importance of colored nectar in nocturnal pollination systems.
A new study reveals that invasive pollinators in Chile are fundamentally reshaping native plant-pollinator networks, leading to a 'silent takeover'. The research found that non-native bees like the buff-tailed bumblebee account for more than 70% of recorded interactions, displacing native species and altering ecosystems.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that bees favor flowers with early visitors over color, even when the latter has an initial disadvantage. This finding indicates that social information plays a crucial role in pollinator choice, and flowers that secure early visitors may gain a lasting advantage.
The Safeguard project, which aimed to expand understanding of declining wild pollinators, has come to an end. The project delivered a comprehensive reassessment of European wild pollinator trends and developed an integrated assessment framework to guide evidence-based management.
Researchers shed light on moths & butterflies' evolution, conservation needs, and diverse feeding habits. Discoveries suggest that these insects obtained plant-digesting abilities from fungi, while mandibled moths were once more diverse but largely extinct.
A Canada-wide study using DNA metabarcoding reveals the intricate relationships between cavity-nesting bees and wasps and their food sources. The project, involving over 5000 students, creates detailed maps of these interactions, providing valuable insights into biodiversity and conservation.
Advances in Pollinator Research is a community-driven peer-reviewed journal championing research from underrepresented regions and taxa. It aims to find and amplify solutions to pollinator decline through transdisciplinary collaboration.
A new study finds that viral presence in wild bees is linked to floral communities and landscape-level resource availability. Researchers discovered that certain flower communities increase the likelihood of viruses and that flowers can serve as hubs for virus transmission between wild bees and honey bees.
The Safeguard project is concluding after four and a half years of research on European wild pollinators. The final conference will bring together stakeholders to review results and discuss future directions for pollinator conservation.
Research suggests that tropical smallholder farms in fragmented landscapes can maintain healthy pollinator populations and fruit production, contrary to expectations. The study's findings highlight the importance of ecological diversity in supporting wild pollinators.
Researchers explored the impact of urbanization on pollinators, found that trees' root systems shift with age, and discovered sea urchin 'halos' as indicators of ecosystem vulnerability. The studies highlight the need for tailored conservation strategies to address regional ecological challenges.
In a study by Michelle Miner at UC Riverside, bumble bees were found to avoid foraging near ant colonies due to the risk of being bitten. However, aggressive bees who fought back were victorious in individual fights but may ultimately harm their colony by wasting energy.
A new native bee species named Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer has been discovered in the Bremer Range region of Western Australia. The striking bee was found visiting both an endangered wildflower and a nearby mallee tree, and its discovery highlights the importance of understanding native bees before their habitats are disturbed.
Researchers analyzed pollinators and fish for changes in behavior after exposure to plant protection products. Exposure to insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides altered nectar processing in honeybees and brood care behavior in zebrafish.
Researchers found that wildflowers are blooming about 17 days sooner than a century ago, while pollinators start flying 11 days earlier. However, some species, like the western bumblebee, are emerging later, which could leave them struggling to find food.
Insect pollinators like bees and butterflies require more natural habitat with diverse flora to thrive, according to a new study analyzing over 178,000 individual pollinators from 19 countries. The research found minimum habitat requirements vary between species, ranging from 6% for hoverflies to 37% for butterflies.
A study of migratory hoverflies on an oil rig in the North Sea revealed that they can transport pollen over great distances, potentially linking plant populations across Europe. The hoverflies carried pollen from up to 14 different plant species, highlighting their importance in agriculture.
A study found that ants can scare away pollinators like bees when defending plants with extrafloral nectaries, which are secretions that attract ants but not pollinators. However, plants with these glands on other locations had increased reproductive success.
A new study reveals that insect abundance is declining by an average annual rate of 6.6% in relatively undisturbed landscapes, leading to significant losses even in pristine areas. Climate change is identified as a key driver of these declines, highlighting the urgent need for biodiversity conservation.
The Kavli Foundation and NSF have announced new grants to explore how nervous systems respond, resist, or recover from the challenges of a changing world. This research aims to uncover fundamental principles of neurobiology and reveal how animals adapt cognitively and behaviorally to a changing world.
A long-term field study found that wild bumble bees strategically target flowers to balance their diet, adjusting their consumption of protein, fat, and carbs based on tongue length and seasonal flower availability. This nuanced approach allows them to thrive together and maintain strong colonies.
A European-wide synthesis finds that pollinator-promoting interventions generally benefit plants and pollinators, with varying effects depending on intervention type and habitat. The study suggests that biodiversity-friendly urban management practices can improve public perception and promote healthier ecosystems.
The decline of seed-dispersing animals, including birds and mammals, hinders the fight against climate change by altering forest composition and reducing carbon absorption. Researchers warn that major global efforts underestimate the importance of frugivores in conservation and restoration strategies.
A team of researchers are studying the reproductive traits of Japanese tree frogs living in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, to understand how radiation affects their survival. Their findings suggest that radiation can disrupt genetic pathways associated with sperm motility, potentially altering reproductive success.
Research reveals that high temperatures and exposure to heavy metals reduce the frequency and pitch of non-flight wing vibrations in bees. This affects their communication, defense, and buzz-pollination abilities, which are crucial for plant reproduction and biodiversity.
A new study finds that climate change may cause a reduced overlap of suitable habitats for wild vanilla plants and their pollinating insects, threatening the survival of natural populations. This could lead to plant-pollinator decoupling, negatively affecting the future of the global food industry.
Researchers develop AI-based monitoring system to link pesticide exposure to honeybee pollen-foraging behavior and overall colony health. The study confirms previous findings that neonicotinoid pesticides affect honeybee colony dynamics.
Research explores how climate change affects elk populations, alpine plant communities and bee microbiomes. For example, a study found that food availability, not just overall quality, impacts elk pregnancy rates, while another study showed limited changes in mountain plant species over nearly two decades.
Researchers found that common urban pollinator plants like white clover and bindweed accumulate toxic metals from contaminated soils, posing a risk to bee health. To mitigate this, scientists recommend testing soil for metals before planting wildflowers and choosing plant species suitable for the local conditions.
The Safeguard project has published a collection of practice abstracts on EU CAP Network to provide practical recommendations for conserving European wild pollinators. The outputs explore critical issues surrounding pollinator conservation, including inadequate animal pollination and the impact of rising temperatures.
Research articles explore relative effectiveness of wildfire fuel treatments, geese impact on Arctic breeding grounds, bumble bee foraging behavior in agricultural areas, and the discovery of epiphytes in cities.
Research proposes a new methodology for dynamically optimizing solar panel positioning based on the light needs of crops. Advanced ray tracing techniques are used to evaluate the distribution of solar radiation, enabling the automation of design optimization of agrivoltaic systems.
The AGRI4POL project aims to transform agriculture into a positive force for biodiversity and crop pollination services. It will deliver an integrated analysis of the crop-farming system-pollinator interplay across biological organisation levels.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country reveals that pollinator diversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and plant reproduction. The research, conducted across 46 countries, found that a decline in wild pollinators has a negative impact on plants' reproductive success.
The VALOR project aims to understand the cascading impacts of pollinator shifts on ecosystems, farm businesses, and local communities. It will develop a comprehensive approach to gaining insights into the effects of pollinator changes on human well-being.
Researchers are investigating the impact of virus infections on honeybee health, including flight performance and heat shock stress response. The team is also exploring potential supplements to boost immune strength and reduce virus infections in honeybees.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $210,000 grant to support ongoing integrated pest management programs across the state. The grant will focus on agronomic and specialty crops, pest control in houses and schools, and improving pollinator health.
New research reveals alfalfa-almond intercropping reduces winter soil nitrate leaching and field water loss via evaporation. The practice can capture and convert nitrogen losses into revenues for almond farmers during the non-productive winter season.
The Horizon Europe-funded PollinERA project has launched a new open-access collection in the Food and Ecological Systems Modelling Journal to tackle pollinator population declines. The collection provides ecotoxicological knowledge gaps datasets, pollinator pesticide risk indicators, and models for chemicals and pollinator populations.
The Safe-Hub platform provides a harmonized and standardized database for pollinator health, monitoring, distribution, and conservation. It offers various tools and resources, such as species distribution maps, knowledge library, and events calendar, to support recommendations and co-design solutions for wild pollinator decline.
A new project uses an algorithm to generate unique planting designs prioritizing pollinators' needs, with the goal of creating connected networks of pollinator-friendly gardens. This initiative aims to demonstrate how art can drive innovative ecological conservation and support climate-positive outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that plants benefit from a variety of interactions with pollinators and herbivores, leading to local adaptation and ecotypes. Plants pollinated by bumblebees adapted best to different soil types, while others showed less significant adaptation.
Climate change has led to decreased pollen production from plants, resulting in less diversity among pollinators, which could significantly impact food production. The study, conducted in the Great Basin region, examines how shifts in flowering times and extreme weather events affect pollinator availability.
A new study finds significant variation in pollinator attractiveness among annual flower cultivars, with some varieties drawing in more insects than others. Begonia and impatiens cultivars were found to be particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators.