What’s the buzz? Growers’ help wanted to protect pollinators

While there is no debate that insect pollinators provide a valuable service to agriculture – helping to increase yields in over 70% of crops worldwide – there is considerable uncertainty about how best to protect them.

Pollinators, such as solitary bees, bumblebees and hoverflies, have declined in recent years and crops are becoming increasingly dependent on honeybees, which are vulnerable to pests and disease.

Two non-AHDB-funded projects are seeking grower participation. By getting involved, you can play an important role in helping to sustain pollinator numbers and agricultural production.

Project 1: Getting to grips with ‘pollination services’ in UK crops

To help prioritise policy on countryside management, the SUPER-B network is asking farmers to complete a short questionnaire on pollinators and their role on the farm. It is being conducted across Europe but the researchers need more participants from the UK.

Click here to access the questionnaire

Project 2: Tailoring wildflower seed mixes to boost bee communities

Chris Mackin, a PhD student at the University of Nottingham, is looking for growers in nearby counties to grant him access to oilseed rape fields to observe bee communities.

No damage will be caused to the crop and the observations will improve understanding of the strongest mix of pollinator species to provide yield benefits. This knowledge will help Chris design wildflower seed mixes to boost bee communities.

See also: The importance of bees: helping raise food security for 2 billion smallholders