Evolutionarily inspired solutions to the crop pollination crisis

Abstract

The global decline in insect diversity threatens pollination services, potentially impacting crop production and food security. Here, we argue that this looming pol-lination crisis is generally approached from an ecological standpoint, and that con-sideration of evolutionary principles offers a novel perspective. First, we outline that wild plant species have overcome 'pollination crises' throughout evolutionary history, and show how associated principles can be applied to crop pollination. We then highlight technological advances that can be used to adapt crop flowers for optimal pollination by local wild pollinators, especially by increasing generalization in pollination systems. Thus, synergies among fundamental evolutionary research, genetic engineering, and agro-ecological science provide a promising template for addressing a potential pollination crisis, complementing much-needed strategies focused on pollinator conservation.

Published in

Trends in ecology & evolution
2023, Volume: 38, number: 5, pages: 435-445 Publisher: CELL PRESS

SLU Authors

• Egan, Paul

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Genetics and Breeding
Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2022.12.010

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/122768