Loss of wild pollinators serious threat to crop yields, study finds

[xchrom]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/28/wild-bees-pollinators-crop-yields


A bee collects pollen from a sunflower. Photograph: Michael Kooren/Reuters

The decline of wild bees and other pollinators may be an even more alarming threat to crop yields than the loss of honeybees, a worldwide study suggests, revealing the irreplaceable contribution of wild insects to global food production.

Scientists studied the pollination of more than 40 crops in 600 fields across every populated continent and found wild pollinators were twice as effective as honeybees in producing seeds and fruit on crops including oilseed rape, coffee, onions, almonds, tomatoes and strawberries. Furthermore, trucking in managed honeybee hives did not replace wild pollination when that was lost, but only added to the pollination that took place.

"It was astonishing; the result was so consistent and clear," said Lucas Garibaldi, at the National University in Río Negro, Argentina, who led the 46-strong scientific team. "We know wild insects are declining so we need to start focusing on them. Without such changes, the ongoing loss is destined to compromise agricultural yields worldwide."

Pollination is needed for about three-quarters of global food crops. The decline of honeybee colonies due to disease and pesticides has prompted serious concern. Jason Tylianakis, at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, described them as "the species charged with protecting global food security".

[CrispyQ]

1. One vital link is all it takes. Destroy that & watch everything that sustains us, crumble.

For all our "we are the pinnacle of creation' delusions, we are not half as smart as we think we are.

[stuntcat]

2. humans won't grasp all the little things their comfy existence depends on until it's too late

I'm not just bitchin'. I know too many people who just don't care one bit.