The majority of angiosperms require pollinators for successful reproduction. Crops pollinated by insects yield a higher number of seeds and larger fruits. However, pollinators are facing decline all over the world, primarily due to climate change. Factors such as rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and soil erosion caused by floods contribute to this decline. Global warming significantly impacts plant–pollinator interactions, altering the biology of both plants and insects. Rising temperatures lead to early insect maturation, resulting in reduced plant foraging and fewer flower visits. Additionally, higher temperatures affect nectar sugar concentrations, reducing flower attraction for pollinators. Changes in water availability also affect pollinator interactions with flowers. Drought stress reduces floral units, increasing insect mortality due to decreased food resources. Conversely, heavy rains restrict bee activities and wash away pollen from flowers. To address the severe effects of climate change on pollinators, several remedies can be implemented. These include developing drought- and heat-resistant plant varieties, installing bee hotels, and planting crops that offer year-round nectar resources for both pollinators and humans. The current chapter gives a detailed overview of the impact of climate change on pollinators and outlines different policies and strategies to safeguard them in the face of these environmental challenges.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Insect Pollinators and Food Security Under the Changing Climate

  • Mudssar Ali,
  • Fawad Zafar Ahmad Khan,
  • Muhammad Awais Ahmad

摘要

The majority of angiosperms require pollinators for successful reproduction. Crops pollinated by insects yield a higher number of seeds and larger fruits. However, pollinators are facing decline all over the world, primarily due to climate change. Factors such as rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and soil erosion caused by floods contribute to this decline. Global warming significantly impacts plant–pollinator interactions, altering the biology of both plants and insects. Rising temperatures lead to early insect maturation, resulting in reduced plant foraging and fewer flower visits. Additionally, higher temperatures affect nectar sugar concentrations, reducing flower attraction for pollinators. Changes in water availability also affect pollinator interactions with flowers. Drought stress reduces floral units, increasing insect mortality due to decreased food resources. Conversely, heavy rains restrict bee activities and wash away pollen from flowers. To address the severe effects of climate change on pollinators, several remedies can be implemented. These include developing drought- and heat-resistant plant varieties, installing bee hotels, and planting crops that offer year-round nectar resources for both pollinators and humans. The current chapter gives a detailed overview of the impact of climate change on pollinators and outlines different policies and strategies to safeguard them in the face of these environmental challenges.