Insects play a crucial role in pollinating many of the world’s favourite food crops, but their declining populations are causing serious concern. A new study, led by ecologist Katherine Turo of Rutgers University, found that 60% of global crop systems are being impacted by insufficient pollination, significantly reducing yields of key food crops.
GLOBAL POLLINATION CRISIS: WHY IT MATTERS
Pollination, the process by which pollen is transferred from one plant to another to facilitate fertilization, is essential for the production of many nutrient-rich crops. Approximately 75% of the world’s food crops rely, at least in part, on insect pollination. While staple crops like rice and wheat are not heavily impacted by this, many fruits and vegetables—including summer berries, apples, and pumpkins—depend heavily on insect visits to thrive.
According to Turo, “If you look at the fruits and vegetables you’re most excited to eat, those are the ones that typically need to be pollinated by insects.”
However, as the number of insect pollinators continues to decline, crops that rely on them are suffering. Blueberries, apples, and coffee are among the worst affected, leading to yield deficits and the potential for global food insecurity.
POLLINATION DATA: A REAL-WORLD PICTURE OF CROP YIELDS
To better understand how pollinator limitation is affecting crop production, the researchers analyzed data from CropPol, one of the most comprehensive global datasets on crop pollination. The database, an international effort, spans three decades of information on pollinators, flower visits, and crop yields from 32 of the world’s leading commercial crops.
Turo’s study examined 49 different crop species and found that 25 of them are suffering from pollination deficits. These deficits were recorded in 85% of the countries included in the CropPol database, spanning all six continents. The worst-hit crops include popular favorites like blueberries, coffee, and apples.
The research also sheds light on the importance of pollinator visitations in crop yields. By tracking the number of insect visits to crop flowers and their corresponding yields, the researchers were able to measure the direct impact of pollinator limitation on food production.
POLLINATOR LIMITATION AND YIELD GAPS
The study revealed a significant yield gap between fields with high levels of pollinator activity and those with low visitation rates. On average, the yield from low-visitation fields could be improved by as much as 63% if pollinator activity were increased to levels seen in high-yielding fields.
“If field managers could improve consistency across high- and low-yield fields, much of the observed yield problems could be addressed,” says Turo.
The data offers a ray of hope: through better pollinator management and increased research, it may be possible to close this yield gap and ensure a more stable food supply.
ROLE OF ECOSYSTEMS IN SUPPORTING POLLINATORS
The study also explored the impact of surrounding ecosystems, particularly forested land, on pollinator populations. Fields located within one kilometre of forested areas were slightly less likely to experience pollinator limitations, indicating that the natural environment may play a role in supporting pollinator populations.
While this effect wasn’t universal across all datasets, it suggests that preserving or restoring forested areas near agricultural fields could help support the insect populations that farmers rely on for pollination.
However, the researchers caution that more study is needed to fully understand the relationship between pollinator health and forested land. “We did not identify clear patterns among the 12 datasets most strongly affected by forests,” the authors note, suggesting that other factors could be at play.
LOOMING CRISIS FOR POLLINATORS
Despite these findings, the reality for pollinators is dire. Insects are facing an onslaught of challenges that threaten their survival, including diseases, pesticides, changing weather patterns, and habitat loss. These threats are compounded by human activities, making it harder for pollinators to thrive.
Pollinator decline has serious consequences for food production. As Turo explains, “Our findings show that by paying more attention to pollinators, growers could make agricultural fields more productive.” But boosting pollinator activity is easier said than done, given the challenges they face.
ECONOMIC AND NUTRITIONAL IMPACT OF POLLINATOR DECLINE
The pollination services provided by insects are worth billions of dollars to the global agricultural industry. As pollinator populations dwindle, food production suffers, and consumers face higher prices and reduced access to nutrient-dense foods.
The impact of pollinator limitation isn’t just financial—it’s also a public health issue. Many of the crops affected by pollinator decline are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Reduced yields of crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts could lead to a less varied and less nutritious global food supply.
PATH FORWARD: INVESTING IN POLLINATOR HEALTH
Turo’s research highlights the importance of investing in pollinator health. While boosting the number of pollinators in agricultural fields won’t be easy, it’s a vital step toward ensuring a stable and nutritious food supply.
The study underscores the need for continued investment in research and pollinator management practices. This could include better protection of habitats, reduced use of harmful pesticides, and stronger support for organic farming practices that prioritize pollinator health.
