Potential for pollinators in oilseed rape
A new Operation Pollinator research project, sponsored by Syngenta, is seeking to address the role of pollinating insects in oilseed rape crops, and the potential to enhance crop pollination services. Initial observations in oilseed rape fields this year have already identified over 30 species of solitary bees actively working in the crop, with nesting sites in and alongside the commercial managed crops.
Introducing the oilseed rape pollination services field study at Cereals 2011, Syngenta Crop Protection Oilseed Rape Manager, Gary Jobling, said: "Whilst oilseed rape is generally recognised as being self-fertile, studies have shown that insect pollination can increase both seed yield and seed quality.
"There is also evidence from studies in France that efficient pollination could increase the evenness of pod set, which would improve canopy structure for crop management. We have to look at all these factors in developing Integrated Crop Solutions that could help to drive forward oilseed rape yields."
Furthermore, Nigel Padbury, Syngenta Seeds UK Oilseeds Sales & Marketing Manager, highlighted the role of insects for cross pollination may be even more important for efficient seed production of hybrid varieties. He believes the combination of Syngenta oilseed rape varieties and agronomy tools could fulfil the company’s aim to enable growers to consistently produce oilseed rape yields of seven tonnes per hectare. "The exciting new oilseed rape varieties in the pipeline, new crop protection products in the approval process and the overarching role of Operation Pollinator in enhancing pollination services creates an exciting Integrated Crop Solution for the future," he added.
The initial stages of the Operation Pollinator project have assessed the activity of natural pollinators in commercial UK oilseed rape crops during flowering this year, and will aim to provide an indication of the role of bees and pollinating insects in seed production and quality.
Working with farmers across southern and eastern England, the project is being coordinated by Professor Richard Pywell of the renowned Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, in conjunction with consultant entomologist, Mike Edwards, the Wildlife Farming Company and bee conservationists, Hymettus. Leading commercial farms for the study have been identified in association with Masstock Smart Farms and the Openfield network.
Geoff Coates of Syngenta added: "Further research is required to provide a greater understanding of insect pollination in rape crops, and how this process might be enhanced using wild pollinators, managed pollinators - in the form of honeybees - or a combination of the two.
"This will build on the practical knowledge base of Operation Pollinator in the creation and management of pollinator habitat on commercial farmland." He believes there is also great potential to use this approach for a wide range of other crops that could benefit from insect pollination, including pulses and many vegetables, along with both soft and top fruit.
Mr Coates highlighted that a number of solitary bees – of which there are over 200 species in the UK alone – may prove especially beneficial as pollinators. "Honey bees are extremely efficient as collectors of nectar. But the solitary bees are typically far more haphazard, with hairy bodies that get covered in pollen when visiting flowers; when they move onto the next flower the pollen is easily transferred - which makes them especially effective and valuable as pollinators."
He considers a better understanding of the contribution of pollinators could enable farmers, scientists and politicians to develop environmental land management systems and policy measures to optimise their role.
Operation Pollinator was launched by Syngenta in 2009, extending the success of Operation Bumblebee to encompass a wider range of pollinating insects. The skills and techniques of environmental management developed for the initiative are based on the extensive science and research of the Buzz Project.
Over successive years Operation Pollinator has proven that the positive management of specific environmental areas can significantly enhance overall farm biodiversity, without compromising productive and profitable farm output.
