"This publication provides guidance on the natural history of wild bees and their potential exposure to pesticides, as part of the GEF supported Project "Conservation and Management of Pollinators for Sustainable Agricutlure, through an Ecosystem Approach" implemented in seven countries -- Brazil, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan and South Africa. The project is coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with implementation support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)"--Title page verso, page [ii].

For many agricultural crops, bees play a vital role as pollinators, and this book discusses the interplay among bees, agriculture, and the environment. Although honey bees are well recognized as pollinators, managed bumble bees and solitary bees are also critical for the successful pollination of certain crops, while wild bees provide a free service. As bees liberally pass pollen from one plant to the next, they also impact the broader ecosystem, and not always to the benefit of humankind. Bees can enhance the unintentional spread of genes from genetically engineered plants, and may increase the spread of invasive weeds. Conversely, genetically engineered plants can impact pollinators, and invasive weeds can supply new sources of food for these insects. Bees' flower-visiting activities also can be exploited to help spread biological control agents that control crop pests, and they are important for native plant reproduction. Managing bees for pollination is complex and the factors that must be taken into consideration are treated here, including bee natural history, physiology, pathology, and behavior. Furthermore, transporting bees from native ranges to new areas for pollination services can be controversial, and needs to be done only after assuring that it will not disrupt various ecosystems. Even though bees are small, unobtrusive creatures, they play large roles in the ecosystem. The connection between bees and humankind also is symbolic of a broader interconnection between humans and the natural world.

This bulletin, based on contributions from various contributors and edited by Dr. D.W. Roubik, introduces the reader to various aspects of natural and insect pollination. It discusses the pollinators themselves, and the ecological and economic importance of pollination, as well as applied pollination in temperate, tropical oceanic islands and mainland tropics, and alternatives to artificial pollinator populations. Prospects for the future are also discussed. Chapter 2 deals with successful pollination with pollinator populations, the evaluation of pollinators and floral biology and research techniques. The behaviour of pollinators and plant phenology and various case studies on the preparation of pollinators for use in tropical agriculture are also discussed. A glossary and various appendices regarding cultivated and semi-cultivated plants in the tropics, pollination contracts and levels of safety of pesticides for bees and other pollinators are included.

This book focuses on entomovectoring, also known as apivectoring, the method used for managing pollinators to increase crop yields and employ strategies of biocontrol in greenhouses and open fields. It is written by experts working in academia and industry from the different continents of the world. Over the past 25 years Research and Development has successfully investigated the potential of pollinators to perform two tasks: dispersal of biological control agents (BCOs) and their pollination service. This book provides a basic overview of the current literature on the different aspects and factors of this novel technology. It explains and presents practical cases of enhancing pollination coupled with the suppression of plant pathogens and pests under various agricultural production practices from greenhouse to open field conditions and crops ranging from orchard fruits, to small and tender berries, vegetables and oil seeds

Discover the indispensable role of bees in agriculture with "Buzzing Fields: The Vital Role of Bees in Pollination and Agriculture." Delve into the intricate web of pollination, exploring how bees sustain ecosystems and drive agricultural productivity. This comprehensive eBook sheds light on bee decline, habitat conservation, and sustainable farming practices. Uncover the importance of bee conservation and learn how individuals can support pollinator health. Dive into "Buzzing Fields" and unlock the secrets of bees' vital contribution to our world.

In light of the growing evidence of global declines in pollinator species, the management, ecology and conservation of wild and managed pollinators is a subject of growing importance and research activity. Promoting pollination and pollinators in farming provides a comprehensive review of the wealth of research on our current understanding of existing pollination processes, how pollinators interact with plants, as well as major threats to pollinators, including climate change, disease, insect pests and pesticide exposure. This collection also assesses how best to protect pollinators and the ecosystem services they deliver, including improved crop and pest management practices.