Notably, crops like blueberries, coffee, and apples were most frequently affected by pollinator shortages. The research found yield deficits in 85 per cent of the countries studied and across 25 unique crop types.

A recent study led by Rutgers University-New Brunswick scientists and published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that crop yields of key, nutritionally rich foods are being significantly hampered by a shortage of pollinators. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,500 fields across six continents, uncovers a critical issue affecting global agriculture.

The study highlights that between one-third and two-thirds of farms worldwide are experiencing yield deficits due to insufficient pollinator activity — a phenomenon termed “pollinator limitation.” This problem is particularly concerning given the recent global declines in insect populations.

Katie Turo, a postdoctoral fellow in Rutgers’ Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources and an author of the study, expressed both concern and hope regarding the findings. “We detected widespread yield deficits, but there is also optimism that with ongoing investment in pollinator management and research, we can enhance crop productivity to meet global nutritional needs,” Turo said.

The research team conducted an extensive statistical analysis of over 200,000 bee visitations to crop flowers, utilizing one of the most comprehensive crop pollination databases globally. The database, compiled with contributions from European and South American colleagues, spans three decades of field observations on bee and other pollinator activities.

Critical role of pollinators

The study focused on crops that require pollination, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, rather than staple crops like rice and wheat, which do not rely on pollinators. Notably, crops like blueberries, coffee, and apples were most frequently affected by pollinator shortages. The research found yield deficits in 85 per cent of the countries studied and across 25 unique crop types.

Rachael Winfree, the senior author and a professor at Rutgers, noted that improving pollinator visitation could substantially address yield deficits. “Our findings suggest that by increasing pollinator activity to levels seen in the top-performing fields, we could close 63 per cent of the yield gaps between high- and low-yielding fields,” Winfree explained.

While the study underscores the severity of pollinator limitations, it also suggests practical solutions. By enhancing pollinator management practices and ensuring consistent pollinator visitation across fields, the productivity of agricultural lands could be improved.

The research emphasizes the critical role of pollinators in sustaining global food production and suggests that better management practices could mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with pollinator shortages. The study provides a crucial insight into how addressing pollinator limitations could play a key role in meeting the world’s food supply needs.