Articles tagged with Pollinators
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The Safeguard project has released its first policy brief, providing concrete research-based recommendations for policymakers to consider pollinators. The brief highlights five key recommendations to support pollinators and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including protecting diverse pollinator assemblages and enhancing terr...
A team of researchers from McGill University and the Montreal Botanical Garden used photogrammetry to create 3D models of flowers, shedding light on their evolution and interaction with pollinators. The technique has the potential to revolutionize research in plant biodiversity.
A research team used photogrammetry to build 3D models of flowers from two-dimensional images, gaining new insights into the shape and color of flowers. The technique allows for detailed study of flowers' morphology and colors, which act like magnets to attract pollinators.
Researchers discovered that two approved insecticides can damage honey bees' intestinal flora, making them more susceptible to disease. The study highlights the need for rigorous research on pesticide effects on beneficial insects before approval.
Excess ground-level ozone damages plant foliage, alters flowering patterns, and blocks pollinators' access to flowers. Ozone also disrupts plant-pollinator communication through altered chemical signatures.
A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that honeybees rely on both color and pattern to identify flowers. The researchers found that bees can effectively distinguish between different flowers using a combination of these elements, suggesting that flowers don't need to evolve many different petal colors.
A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.
A self-pollinating monkeyflower plant lost 13-24% of its genetic variation within nine generations when isolated from bumble bees. This rapid loss of genetic variation could have devastating impacts on the plant's ability to adapt to changing environments, highlighting the importance of pollinators for plant survival.
A new online database, The Database of Pollinator Interactions (DoPI), provides a wealth of information on pollinator-plant interactions. It contains over 300,000 recorded interactions between more than 2,000 pollinator species and 1,000 plant species, helping users select pollinator-friendly species to plant in their gardens.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
The white egret orchid's unique petal shape supports the hawkmoth pollinator, leading to higher healthy seed production. The research found that intact plants produced more seeds than those with the fringed petal removed.
Research reveals Arisaema urashima's thread selectively reels in fungus gnats, a key pollinator, by trapping them inside the spathe. The plant's 'fishing rod' appendage also reduces fruiting rate if removed, emphasizing its crucial role in attracting primary pollinators.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that pollinators stabilize crop yields, reducing variation by 32%, which can help mitigate supply issues and market shocks. This finding highlights the importance of preserving pollinators for global food security.
Researchers at the University of Maryland identified AGL62 as the trigger for fruit and seed development in flowering plants. The study showed that AGL62 stimulates auxin production, which regulates endosperm growth and fruit enlargement.
A study found that imidacloprid, a widely used pesticide in Brazil, is toxic to native bees and can cause alarming levels of poisoning. Researchers are calling for specific protocols and more effective regulation to protect these vital pollinators.
A recent statewide census of California bumble bees found significant declines due to climate change, urbanization, and pesticide use. Despite finding most common species, researchers failed to locate several iconic species, including the Western bumble bee, highlighting urgent need for conservation efforts.
The Safeguard project recommends improving pollinator knowledge, tackling causes of decline, and raising awareness to reverse the 2030 pollinator loss objective. European Commission's public consultation gathered views on strengthening the current framework on wild pollinators.
A UC Riverside genetic discovery found that mosquitoes lack the primary ecdysone transporter, allowing researchers to develop a mosquito-specific insecticide. This breakthrough could help control Zika, dengue, and other virus-carrying mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects.
Researchers found that flower shape is a key predictor of parasite transmission to bees, with wider, shorter flowers increasing the risk. The study suggests that identifying floral traits and species associated with lower parasite transmission rates could help create pollinator habitats with reduced disease risk.
Researchers observe fruit bat migration patterns mirroring seasonal landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a unique role in plant pollination. The study reveals the ecologically underestimated fruit bats transport plant seeds along the 'green wave', potentially affecting local ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Exeter are using satellites and drones to track the availability of flowers for pollinators. This technology could be combined with behavioral studies to better understand the impact of human activity on pollinator habitats, leading to more effective conservation efforts.
Researchers found that forests and forest edges provide natural conditions that buffer extreme heat and drought, allowing for a greater diversity of pollinating insects. This study suggests that maintaining large proportions of forested land in the landscape could help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on insect populations.
A new study found that Portland residents are willing to pay $442.40 per household for green roofs that reduce stormwater runoff by three times per year, decrease urban heat island effect by over one degree, and bring in a significant amount of bees, birds, and butterflies. The cost would be added to sewage and stormwater utility bills.
Researchers found that diverse landscape compositions with faba beans led to higher bumblebee densities, increased pollination success, and higher bean yields. Short-tongued bumblebees stole nectar more frequently from faba beans when there was a high proportion of faba beans in the landscape.
A recent study in Peru's tropical rainforests investigated cacao flower visitation, finding a wide variety of insects attracted to the small flowers. However, pollen transfer and fruit set remain poor, with only two percent of pollinated flowers setting fruit.
A University of Illinois-led study reveals a significant decline in tropical forest bird populations, with 70% of understory bird species experiencing a drop of half or more since 1977. The findings highlight the importance of long-term studies and the need to address the lack of data on tropical bird populations.
Research at Clemson University reveals that flowers use UV-absorbing chemicals to create a 'bulls-eye' effect for pollinating insects, aiding survival. Plants adapt to different environments by producing varying amounts of UV-blocking or absorbing chemicals.
The SPRING project is establishing an EU-wide census of pollinators, building on existing butterfly monitoring schemes. The project will use a variety of methods, including standard routes for counting wild bees and hoverflies, to gather data on the diversity and abundance of pollinators.
A two-year study shows that even a 4m² space can provide a rich habitat for pollinators and support biodiversity. The mini-meadows attracted an average of 111% more bumblebees and 87% more solitary bees compared to control plots.
A new study finds that weed species classified as 'injurious weeds' support higher diversity and abundance of pollinators compared to recommended plants. The research suggests that these weeds produce more nectar sugar, making them a valuable resource for flower-visiting insects.
Researchers found that soybean plants adjacent to pollinator habitats produce larger seeds due to increased bee visitation. The presence of pollinators also influences the bee communities in soybean fields, with bees leaving for outside flowers less likely.
A study by Newcastle University found that a 1.5°C increase in temperature reduces food resources for pollinating insects, causing them to visit a wider range of plants and altering seed production in some wildflowers. This change leads to more complex food web dynamics.
Researchers found that streptomycin, a widely used antibiotic in U.S. agriculture, impairs bumblebee behavior, including reduced foraging efficiency and slowed cognition. The study aims to understand the potential impacts on pollinators of antibiotic use in agriculture.
A University of Ottawa review provides the first field-wide summary of how pesticide exposure affects social bee gut microbiotas. The study found that pesticides disturb microbial communities, leading to a loss of benefits and potential decline in bee health and performance.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh biologists found a wide range of plant viruses associated with pollen grains from 24 plant species across the US. The research, published in Nature Communications, identifies six new species and three variants of known viruses, highlighting the potential for honeybees to spread these diseases.
A diverse pollen diet and varied landscape contribute to better colony growth and more offspring for young queens. This diversity also reduces the negative effects of infestation with parasitic wax moth larvae.
Common air pollutants from urban and rural environments reduce pollinating abilities of insects, leading to fewer flower visits and overall pollination reductions. The study observed up to 70% fewer pollinators, 90% fewer flower visits, and a 31% reduction in pollination when common ground-level air pollutants were present.
Researchers found that sunflowers with larger UV bullseyes retain water more efficiently in drier environments, suggesting a dual role for floral pigmentation in adaptation. The discovery may help increase crop yields and improve pollinator attraction.
A recent study by the University of Bristol found that urban gardens in cities offer a long and continuous supply of energy-rich nectar from March to October. Despite variation between individual gardens, multiple garden visits provide pollinators with a reliable food source, contrasting with farmland's boom-and-bust cycles.
A new study found that farmers are extremely knowledgeable about pollinators and have taken initiatives to protect insects on their farms. However, more flexible funding options and cooperation between research and practice are needed to realize their full conservation potential.
New research shows that bumblebees waste no time enjoying flowers but instead learn the bare minimum about where to land and find food. Bees extract just the necessary information from artificial flowers, suggesting a simple, low-effort form of learning is sufficient in some situations.
A major new study found that woodland and hedgerow creation can support higher numbers of pollinators, including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The survey, which covered hundreds of sites across Wales, revealed the importance of carefully managed habitats in land management incentive schemes.
The number of wild bees has fallen by 25% since 1990, threatening plant reproduction and food production. Researchers must assume social responsibility to communicate their knowledge and work in transdisciplinary coalitions to halt the decline.
A team of WVU researchers has created a six-armed robot, StickBug, to assist with pollination tasks in greenhouse environments. The robot aims to improve food security during insect declines, support indoor agriculture, and provide services beyond what insects can do.
Deploying honeybees on solar parks in the UK could raise crop yields and financial returns, with soft fruits and oilseed benefiting the most. The study found that prioritizing these crops within a 1.5km honeybee foraging radius around solar parks could boost values by £80 million annually.
A global study estimates that half of flowering plants are dependent on animal pollinators, with declines in pollinators threatening ecosystems and biodiversity. Without pollinators, many plant species would suffer reduced fertility or produce no seeds, emphasizing the importance of pollination services.
Researchers discovered a cheap and naturally occurring chemical compound that can prevent or reverse the effects of the deformed wing virus in bees. Bees fed with this compound before becoming infected were nine times more likely to survive the virus after five days.
Pollinators contribute significantly to global food production, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely heavily on these services. The author emphasizes the need for increased support and research efforts to maintain biodiversity and improve crop yields.
Research reveals hoverflies use a time-compensated sun compass to orientate during autumn migration, adjusting course based on sun's position and time of day. This navigation technique helps the insects maintain an efficient southern route despite flying on sunny days.
Researchers from Göttingen and Hohenheim found hand pollination used worldwide for 20 crops, including apples and vanillas. The method can reduce losses and improve crop quality, but also brings challenges due to labor intensity and cost.
Scientists have discovered how pollinators support rare plant species coexistence with abundant species in diverse communities. Flower characteristics are key predictors of specialization between plants and pollinators.
The Safeguard project will assess the status and trends of European wild pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. It will also explore effective ways to halt declines in different scales, from local to global.
Researchers found that bumblebee flight performance rises rapidly from 12°C and peaks between 25-27°C, but declines beyond this. This study suggests that climate warming may benefit some northern-latitude bee species, but poses risks to southern-latitude populations due to more frequent extreme weather events.
Long-term simulations show that smart land management, such as organic farming and protected refuge areas, can help stabilize threatened bumblebee species. Climate change is expected to have the strongest total effect on bumblebees, threatening many species.
A new global risk index highlights the alarming decline of pollinators, which are crucial for food production and ecosystem services. The top causes of pollinator loss include habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change, with serious consequences for human populations, particularly in the Global South.
Researchers studied insect olfactory system to improve repellent design and drug screening. They found that chemoreceptor tuning depends on ligand-binding subunit identity, revealing diverse molecular mechanisms. These findings have potential applications in 'mammalian' chemogenetics and insect-based research.
The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.
A new study by the University of Sussex reveals that natural selection leads to fluctuations in nectar supply and demand due to changes in pollinator populations. When pollinators are scarce, flowers produce more nectar to outcompete others, but when they're abundant, less nectar is needed.
Researchers found that semi-natural habitat patches complement existing flower strips in protecting pollinators, attracting a greater number of species and providing year-round flowers. These small structures, such as hedgerows and overgrown fences, offer potential retreats and nesting sites for overwintering bumblebees.
In a new study, researchers found that punishments, like dropping non-pollinated flowers, enforce cooperation between fig trees and wasps. Contrary to previous findings, some fig species do not eliminate non-pollinating wasps by aborting their own fruit.