Hoverfly visiting a strawberry flower
By James et al.
Pollination plays a crucial role in improving the yield, quality, and nutritional value of crops, such as strawberries. In this study, researchers explored how combining two pollinator species: bumblebees and hoverflies, which affected strawberry production compared to pollination by each species alone or self-pollination without insects. The findings indicate that the combined pollination treatment significantly enhanced fruit yield, marketable quality, and vitamin C levels compared to using bumblebees or hoverflies alone. Bumblebees and hoverflies demonstrate different activity patterns throughout the day in polytunnel trials, with bumblebees most active in the morning and hoverflies more active later. This complementarity ensured that strawberry flowers, which are only receptive to pollination for four days, were pollinated more effectively.
The findings have practical implications for agriculture. While bumblebees are commonly used in commercial strawberry production, introducing hoverflies alongside them may offer even greater benefits. This improvement stems from behavioural changes when multiple pollinators are present, leading to more even and efficient pollination. Additionally, better pollination boosts levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that not only enhances fruit quality and shelf life but may also strengthen plant defences against stress and diseases.
This study underscores the value of diverse pollinator systems in sustainable agriculture, highlighting how optimizing pollination strategies can improve both food production and nutritional security. Further research into wild pollinators and plant metabolic processes could unlock even greater benefits for crops and ecosystems.
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