60% of Food Crops Aren’t Being Visited by Enough Pollinators

A recent study reveals that many of our favorite food crops are underperforming due to fewer visits from pollinating insects.

Insect pollinators are declining rapidly, posing serious risks to global food crops, 75 percent of which depend on them for at least partial pollination.

Although this doesn’t encompass major food crops such as rice and wheat, pollination is crucial for what the study’s first author, an ecologist from Rutgers University in the US, describes as “nutrient-dense and culturally significant foods that we enjoy.”

“Look through a list of crops and consider which fruits and vegetables you enjoy most, like summer berries or fall apples and pumpkins. These crops typically rely on insect pollination,” says an ecologist from Rutgers University.

There is a notable lack of experimental research on pollinator limitation in crops. Although we understand that this phenomenon affects global food supplies, its extent remains uncertain.

Many studies have depended on estimates of maximum potential yield based on hand pollination, which may lead to overestimating pollen limitation. Measuring pollinator impact on food production involves tracking insect visits to crop flowers and the corresponding yields.

To evaluate the effects of pollinator shortages, a multinational team analyzed a comprehensive global dataset that includes 32 major crops and commodities dependent on pollinators.

CropPol is an open-source database that has gathered 30 years of data on crop pollinators and pollination. Turo and colleagues found that up to 60 percent of global crop systems suffer from insufficient pollination.

The phenomenon affects 25 of the 49 analyzed crop species, with blueberry, coffee, and apple crops being the most severely impacted. Pollinator limitations exist in 85 percent of countries studied across all six continents.

“We observed widespread yield deficits, but with continued investment in pollinator management and research, we can enhance crop efficiency to meet global nutritional needs.”

“Crop yields, which indicate the amount of crops per unit area, are vital for assessing global food supply relative to population,” says Rutgers ecologist. “Our findings show that prioritizing pollinators could boost agricultural productivity.” However, insects face significant challenges from diseases, pesticides, changing seasons, and habitat loss.

Hosea 4:1 The LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Hosea 4:2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Hosea 4:3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and everyone that dwelleth therein shall languish=lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

2 Chronicles 7:13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send diseases among my people;

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place

Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

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