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Pollination Biology
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Pollination Biology

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 8394

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yu Gao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Interests: pest management and plant protection; edible insect; analytical chemistry of agrochemicals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

As an important part of the ecosystem, pollinating insects provide important ecological services to the ecosystem and also play an important role in maintaining the dynamic balance and relative stability of the ecosystem. Pollinators have important links to ecosystem health, green agriculture, food security and nutritional health. Pollinator insects account for 80–85% of all animal pollination and provide vital services to the plant–pollinator ecosystem, the importance of which is widely recognized by researchers and the general public. Honeybees are the dominant pollinating insects, with some 17,000 species and 90 percent of the world's 107 major crop species pollinated by bees. Since the 1960s, the area of crops dependent on insect pollination has tripled worldwide, and the direct or indirect economic value of insect pollination services has become an important component of gross agricultural product in many developed countries. This Special Issue will cover a wide range of topics relating to pollinator insects and their applications in agriculture. We encourage researchers and experts from different disciplines to contribute their valuable insights and findings to this Special Issue. We welcome both original research and review articles on the following topics, including, but not limited to:

(1) Pollinator insect diversity;

(2) Pollinator–plant interactions;

(3) Conservation and utilization of pollinators;

(4) Environmental effects on pollinators;

(5) Applications of pollinator insects in agriculture.

Dr. Yu Gao
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • conservation biology

  • insect diversity
  • pollinator-plant interactions

  • ecosystem service

  • pollinator insect

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 1463 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Seed Yield: The Effect of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Supplementation and Efficiency of Other Pollinators
by Kamran Ejaz, Mudssar Ali, Fawad Zafar Ahmad Khan and Raimondas Mozūratis
Biology 2025, 14(6), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060599 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 115
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important fodder crop with 16–25% protein and 20–30% fibre content. It requires pollinators for seed development through a process known as “tripping.” Honey bees are preferred for their easy management and mass rearing to enhance pollination. [...] Read more.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important fodder crop with 16–25% protein and 20–30% fibre content. It requires pollinators for seed development through a process known as “tripping.” Honey bees are preferred for their easy management and mass rearing to enhance pollination. In a field experiment, we tested three treatments: two honey bee colonies (moderately supplemented), three honey bee colonies (highly supplemented), and a control with no honey bee colonies. The colonies European honey bee, A. mellifera, were used, starting at the flowering stage. We assessed the abundance, foraging, and tripping behaviour of pollinators, as well as the number of seeds per pod, pod weight, and seed weight. Honey bees were the most abundant in supplemented plots, followed by solitary bees, with increased honey bee visitation in the second year. Megachile cephalotes, M. hera, and A. mellifera were the most efficient pollinators regarding seeds per pod and seed weight. The plot with two honey bee colonies had a higher seed yield than the one with three colonies. Conservation of these pollinators and the introduction of managed A. mellifera colonies can lead to sustainable alfalfa seed production. Our findings suggest that honey bee supplementation, along with conservation efforts for solitary bees, can enhance pollination and seed yield in alfalfa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollination Biology)
19 pages, 2437 KiB  
Article
Space and Time Dynamics of Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)-Melliferous Resource Interactions Within a Foraging Area: A Case Study in the Banja Luka Region (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
by Samuel Laboisse, Michel Vaillant, Clovis Cazenave, Biljana Kelečević, Iris Chevalier and Ludovic Andres
Biology 2025, 14(4), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040422 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 435
Abstract
Interactions between honeybees and the environment are often difficult to achieve, particularly when the purpose is to optimize beekeeping production. The present study proposed to monitor the space-time variations of melliferous resources potentially exploited by colonies within a foraging area in Bosnia & [...] Read more.
Interactions between honeybees and the environment are often difficult to achieve, particularly when the purpose is to optimize beekeeping production. The present study proposed to monitor the space-time variations of melliferous resources potentially exploited by colonies within a foraging area in Bosnia & Herzegovina, characterized by contrasting landscapes. The combination of methods involving Geographical Information Systems, floristic monitoring, and modelling enabled honey production potential to be calculated for the entire foraging area. In particular, the location of taxa, their abundance, diversity, and phenology enabled us to determine the spatial distribution and temporal variation of production potential. Robinia pseudoacacia and Rubus sp. made a major contribution. This potential was highly contrasted, with distant areas from the apiary more attractive than closer ones, depending on the moment. Specific periods, such as June were particularly conducive to establishing a high potential. Forest and grassland played a major role in the temporal succession, mainly because of the area covered, but moments with lower potential were supported by specific land uses (orchards). Land uses with a small surface area, such as orchards, wasteland, and riparian zones had a high potential per unit area, and improving the production potential within a foraging area could involve increasing these specific surfaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollination Biology)
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12 pages, 1939 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nitrophos Fertilizer on Pollinator Dynamics and Onion Seed Yield
by Syeda Fatima Bukhari, Mudssar Ali, Fawad Zafar Ahmad Khan and Raimondas Mozūratis
Biology 2025, 14(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14020119 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1099
Abstract
The yield of flowering crops depends on multiple factors, with pollination and the availability of nutrients being particularly crucial. However, fewer studies have explored the combined effects of nutrients and insect-mediated pollination on onions (Allium cepa L.). Here, we studied how different [...] Read more.
The yield of flowering crops depends on multiple factors, with pollination and the availability of nutrients being particularly crucial. However, fewer studies have explored the combined effects of nutrients and insect-mediated pollination on onions (Allium cepa L.). Here, we studied how different levels of insect pollination (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) and nitrophos fertilizer application (188, 375, and 750 kg/hectare) affect onion seed yield. We found that pollination benefits to yield were maximum at intermediate levels of nitrophos availability. A higher pollinator abundance was recorded at a high nitrophos level, followed by intermediate and low levels. Syrphid flies and honey bees were the most abundant insect pollinators. The abundance of honey bees was higher at a low nitrophos level, while syrphid flies were more abundant at a higher nitrophos level. Moreover, the umbel weight and seed number were higher at the intermediate fertilizer level. Also, single visits by insect pollinators were observed, and the highest umbel weight was found at the intermediate fertilizer level with a single visit from A. florea. This finding provides evidence that resource and pollination availability have interactive, nonlinear effects on seed production. Our results also support ecological intensification as a reliable strategy for sustainable agro-ecosystem management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollination Biology)
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24 pages, 7291 KiB  
Article
Impact of Seasonal Atmospheric Factors and Photoperiod on Floral Biology, Plant–Pollinator Interactions, and Plant Reproduction on Turnera ulmifolia L. (Passifloraceae)
by Ujjwal Layek, Nandita Das, Arabinda Samanta and Prakash Karmakar
Biology 2025, 14(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14010100 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1793
Abstract
Reproductive traits and plant–pollinator interactions largely depend on seasonal weather conditions, which are species-specific. Turnera ulmifolia is an ornamental plant distributed worldwide. There is little information about plant species’ reproductive ecology and environmental factors’ impact on it. Here, we aimed to examine the [...] Read more.
Reproductive traits and plant–pollinator interactions largely depend on seasonal weather conditions, which are species-specific. Turnera ulmifolia is an ornamental plant distributed worldwide. There is little information about plant species’ reproductive ecology and environmental factors’ impact on it. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of seasonal atmospheric factors (e.g., temperature, light, relative humidity, rainfall) and photoperiod on flowering, interactions with flower visitors, and the reproductive success of Turnera ulmifolia in West Bengal, India. Flowering intensity peaked in hot summers and dropped in cold winters, correlating positively with temperature and humidity. Flower opening and closing occurred earlier on hot days, while flower longevity increased in winter, showing a negative correlation with temperature and humidity. Pollen and ovule production were lower in cold weather, positively linked to temperature and humidity. The self-compatible plant was moderately dependent on pollinators and had no pollination deficit in open conditions. Visitor abundance, richness, and diversity varied season-wise, with higher values during spring–summer. Based on pollinating agents, the plant showed multiple pollination modes (e.g., melittophily, myophily, myrmecophily, and psychophily). Effective pollinators were Amegilla zonata, Borbo cinnara, Halictus acrocephalus, Nomia (Curvinomia) strigata, and Tetragonula iridipennis. The fruit set (%) did not differ significantly season-wise, but the seed set remained higher in the hot days of summer than in cold winter. Therefore, it can be concluded that atmospheric factors and photoperiod significantly impact floral traits, plant–pollinator interactions, and plant reproduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollination Biology)
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18 pages, 10250 KiB  
Article
Effects of Floral Characters on the Pollination Biology and Breeding System of Iris setosa (Iridaceae): A Cold-Tolerant Ornamental Species from Jilin Province
by Xiyue Zhang, Ruoqi Liu, Lifei Chen, Tianhao Pei, Yu Gao, Xi Lu and Yunwei Zhou
Biology 2025, 14(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14010002 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 836
Abstract
Floral phenology and features are intricately linked to pollinator behavior and pollination systems. Iris setosa is one of the ornamental irises of the family Iridaceae with beautiful flowers and leaves, and little research has been reported on its pollination biology. This study analyzed [...] Read more.
Floral phenology and features are intricately linked to pollinator behavior and pollination systems. Iris setosa is one of the ornamental irises of the family Iridaceae with beautiful flowers and leaves, and little research has been reported on its pollination biology. This study analyzed how phenology, floral features, breeding systems, and pollinator visits affect reproductive success of I. setosa populations in Jilin Province. Field observations and pollination studies demonstrated that I. setosa reached the bud stage in late May, with an average flowering time of 30 days. The anthers were outwardly dehiscent toward the outer edge of the style branches. In herkogamy, the relative locations of the anthers and stigma remained unchanged during flower opening. The stamens matured first. The pollen was most viable and the stigmas were most receptive on the first day of flowering. The nectar had the maximum sugar content. The sexual reproduction system was mainly outcrossing, with some self-compatibility and a need for pollinators. After artificial self-pollination, fluorescent microscopy revealed the winding of pollen tubes. The predominant flower-visiting insects were Apis mellifera, Megachile sp., Syrphus corollae, Episyrphus balteatus, and Lasioglossum sp., among which A. mellifera, Megachile sp., and Lasioglossum sp. were effective pollinators. Understanding the pollination mechanisms and strategies of I. setosa provides basic reference data on the potential for reproduction, and conservation efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollination Biology)
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15 pages, 2328 KiB  
Article
Identification, Elucidation and Deployment of a Cytoplasmic Male Sterility System for Hybrid Potato
by Ernst-Jan Eggers, Ying Su, Esmee van der Poel, Martijn Flipsen, Michiel E. de Vries, Christian W. B. Bachem, Richard G. F. Visser and Pim Lindhout
Biology 2024, 13(6), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13060447 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1757
Abstract
Recent advances in diploid F1 hybrid potato breeding rely on the production of inbred lines using the S-locus inhibitor (Sli) gene. As a result of this method, female parent lines are self-fertile and require emasculation before hybrid seed production. The [...] Read more.
Recent advances in diploid F1 hybrid potato breeding rely on the production of inbred lines using the S-locus inhibitor (Sli) gene. As a result of this method, female parent lines are self-fertile and require emasculation before hybrid seed production. The resulting F1 hybrids are self-fertile as well and produce many undesirable berries in the field. Utilization of cytoplasmic male sterility would eliminate the need for emasculation, resulting in more efficient hybrid seed production and male sterile F1 hybrids. We observed plants that completely lacked anthers in an F2 population derived from an interspecific cross between diploid S. tuberosum and S. microdontum. We studied the antherless trait to determine its suitability for use in hybrid potato breeding. We mapped the causal locus to the short arm of Chromosome 6, developed KASP markers for the antherless (al) locus and introduced it into lines with T and A cytoplasm. We found that antherless type male sterility is not expressed in T and A cytoplasm, proving that it is a form of CMS. We hybridized male sterile al/al plants with P cytoplasm with pollen from al/al plants with T and A cytoplasm and we show that the resulting hybrids set significantly fewer berries in the field. Here, we show that the antherless CMS system can be readily deployed in diploid F1 hybrid potato breeding to improve hybridization efficiency and reduce berry set in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollination Biology)
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Review

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21 pages, 265 KiB  
Review
Reducing Risks to Native Pollinators by Introduced Bees: A Review of Canada’s Legislation with Recommendations for Yukon Territory
by Maria Leung and Donald Reid
Biology 2025, 14(3), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14030282 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 870
Abstract
Imported, non-native honey bees and bumble bees threaten native pollinators by spreading pathogens (disease and parasites) and outcompeting native pollinators for nectar and pollen. We reviewed Canadian federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal legislation to find governance requirements that potentially reduce these threats. We classified [...] Read more.
Imported, non-native honey bees and bumble bees threaten native pollinators by spreading pathogens (disease and parasites) and outcompeting native pollinators for nectar and pollen. We reviewed Canadian federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal legislation to find governance requirements that potentially reduce these threats. We classified the requirements as follows: tracking the number and location of honey bee hives (registry); controlling the spread of pathogens (registry with inspections, quarantines, and cleaning regimes); controlling the competition with native pollinators (limiting shared use of space); and making regulations applicable to all domesticated bees in addition to honey bees. Policies and regulations to control the competition from honey bees are generally lacking. So, we propose the concept of “foraging leases” to manage the location and duration of honey bee apiaries on public lands. Based on the identified requirements, we recommend amendments to the legislation in Yukon Territory, a jurisdiction that still has healthy native pollinator communities that pollinate various human food and medicine crops. Recommendations include tracking hives and their pathogen status with beekeeping regulations enabled by the Animal Health Act, controlling the use of imported bumble bees with changes to the Animal Protection and Control Act and/or the Wildlife Act, and restricting use of public lands for apiaries with the Public Lands Act. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollination Biology)
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