Pollination by animals is crucial for global food production, contributing to a third of the world’s food supply. However, there has been limited research on how the identity of pollinators, pollen, and crop varieties impact the nutritional, sensory, and commercial value of crops. Researchers from the University of Göttingen argue that the focus on promoting pollinators may be overshadowing the importance of considering plant quality, which could be improved by understanding the behavior of pollinators and the distribution of crop varieties in fields.
Animal pollination is vital for two-thirds of the world’s most important crops and is estimated to be worth several hundred billion US dollars annually. Crops such as fruits, nuts, and pulses that rely on animal pollinators provide more than 90 percent of the vitamin C in our diets, along with essential carotenoids and antioxidants. Bees, for example, enhance the nutritional value of rapeseed by increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids and total oil content, as well as boosting the oil content and fruit weight of avocados.
The University of Göttingen research team highlights the significance of considering the specific pollinator species, crop variety, and pollen transfer network in influencing fruit quality. Pollen transfer between different crop varieties can be disrupted by changes in pollinator behavior or plant arrangement, emphasizing the importance of understanding how different species interact spatially and temporally for crop quality. The quality of crops is influenced not only by the type and number of pollinators present but also by the spatial and temporal dynamics of their interactions.
The authors stress the need for future research to shift focus from quantity to quality in crop production. Improving the nutrient composition of crops benefits consumer health, emphasizing the importance of promoting cross-pollination while considering crop variety and pollen quality. Comparing the quality of self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crop varieties and designing cultivated areas and surrounding landscapes to facilitate effective pollinator movement are essential strategies for enhancing plant quality and crop production.
In conclusion, pollination by animals plays a crucial role in global food production, impacting the nutritional, sensory, and commercial quality of crops. Understanding the specificity of pollinator species, crop variety, and pollen transfer network is essential for improving fruit quality. Research should prioritize the quality rather than quantity of crops, promoting cross-pollination while considering crop variety and pollen quality. By implementing strategies to facilitate effective pollinator movement, such as designing cultivated areas and surrounding landscapes, the quality and nutritional value of crops can be enhanced for the benefit of consumer health and well-being.
