Approximately 175 000 plant species (half of all flowering plants) rely mostly or completely on animal pollinators to develop seeds and thus reproduce. A decline in pollinators could therefore cause major disruptions in natural ecosystems, including loss of biodiversity.
This is the finding of a paper titled ‘Widespread vulnerability of plant seed production to pollinator declines’, published in the journal Science Advances on 13 October 2021.
Dr James Rodger, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) and lead author, says this is the first study to provide a global estimate of the importance of pollinators to plants in natural ecosystems.
The study, involving 21 scientists affiliated to 23 institutions from five continents, was led by Rodger and Prof Allan Ellis from SU. It is a product of the Synthesis Centre for Biodiversity Sciences in the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research.
Prof Tiffany Knight of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, Germany, and a senior co-author of the report, says recent global assessments of pollination have highlighted a knowledge gap in our understanding of the degree to which plants depend on animal pollinators.
“Our synthetic research addresses this gap and enables us to link trends in pollinator biodiversity and abundance to consequences for plants at a global level,” she explains.
A GLOBAL FIRST
This story is from the December 03, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 03, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Care of newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.
Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day
If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.
Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson
Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price
The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?
Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.
Dream stud Merinos
This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.
Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.
Wheat production in South Africa
Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.
Sorghum essential for South Africa
Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.