Pollination

Ozone affects plants, insects and microorganisms, and poses a threat to global biodiversity

According to a study co-authored by CREAF-based CSIC researcher Josep Peñuelas and published in Science Advances, increases in ozone in Earth’s atmosphere will be a danger to the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Basin, Japan and equatorial Africa by 2100.

Biogeochemical cycle Carbon cycle Cov @en Csic @en Josep peñuelas @en Nitrogen cycle Nutrient cycle Organic volatile compound Ozone Pollination

Promoting borders between crops is vital to pollinator survival

Two CREAF researchers have taken part in the study, which shows that small, irregularly shaped fields on farmland boost the number and abundance of species. This is because pollinators use crop borders as highways or corridors for movement and protection. The trend of ever larger crop fields is endangering insect pollinator populations and their ability to pollinate crops

Agriculture @es @en Crops Ctfc @es @ca @es @en Jordi bosch @en Lluis brotons @en Pollination Pollinators Proceedings of the royal society b @en

Bee decline is a fact

Experts at CREAF say that bee populations are on the decline and that pesticides such as neonicotinoids are one of the main causes. It is important to promote organic, sustainable agriculture and move forward on the prohibition of these compounds. 

Anselm rodrigo @en Bees Bumblebee European comission Fungicide Greenpeace @en Honey bee Human health Jordi bosch @en Neonicotinoids Osia Pest management @en Pollination Pollinators Wild bees

Flowers pollinized by insects are more fragrant than those pollinized by the wind

A study published in the journal Biochemical Systematics and Ecologyand carried out by a team of CREAF researchers has shown that pollination by insects increases emissions of the molecules that give flowers their odors. Flower fragrances are needed to attract insects and guarantee the exchange of pollen with other flowers.  

Flowers Gerard farré @en Insects Josep peñuelas @en Pollination Voc @en