Pollinators and pollination services under global change
Short description
Pollinators are currently facing several threats due to human activities, such as the exposure to pesticides, climate change and land use change. Not only are the pollinators themselves threatened, but also the pollination services they provide, as many plants depend on insect pollination. In several projects, we are trying to understand the effects of environmental change on pollinators and pollination.
Pollinators and their contribution to wild plant reproduction in the Arctic and subarctic
The Arctic - the most rapidly warming biome – has relatively few pollinator species, yet many Arctic plants invest substantial resources to attract pollinators. Using field observations and experimental manipulation of flowers, we want to shed light on the current contribution of insect pollination to plant reproduction in the arctic. This information will allow us to better understand the likely effects of global warming on pollinators and pollination in the future.
The effect of farming practices on pollinators and pollination services
75% of globally important crop species are dependent on insect pollination for fruit set or seed yet. Despite their contribution to food production, pollinators and pollination services might be at risk due to farming practices. In particular, we do not yet know to what extent growing crops outside their area of origin causes reduced pollination services due to crop-pollinator mismatches. The overall aim of the project is to determine the consequences of crop-pollinator mismatches for crop productivity across the globe.
