Crop related information materials
The Pollination of Cultivated Plants: A compendium for practitioners (Volume 1)
Author: FAO
More than twenty years ago, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations contributed to the growing recognition of the role of pollination in agricultural production, with the publication of "The Pollination of Cultivated Plants in the Tropics". Since that time, the appreciation of pollinators has grown, alongside the realization that we stand to lose them. But our knowledge and understanding of crop pollination, pollinator biology, and best management practices has also expanded over this time. This volume is the first of two "compendiums for practitioners", sharing expert knowledge on all dimensions of crop pollination in both temperate and tropical zones. The focus in this first volume is on applied crop and system-specific pollination.
The Pollination of Cultivated Plants: A compendium for practitioners (Volume 2)
Author: FAO
More than twenty years ago, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations contributed to the growing recognition of the role of pollination in agricultural production, with the publication of "The Pollination of Cultivated Plants in the Tropics". Since that time, the appreciation of pollinators has grown, alongside the realization that we stand to lose them. But our knowledge and understanding of crop pollination, pollinator biology, and best management practices has also expanded over this time. This volume is the second of two “compendiums for practitioners”, sharing expert knowledge on all dimensions of crop pollination in both temperate and tropical zones. The focus in this second volume is on management, study and research tools and techniques.
A manual on apple pollination
Author: FAO
The purpose of this manual is to improve knowledge concerning the management of bee pollinators in apple orchards so as to enhance apple quality and yield. The publication was prepared as part of the GEF supported project “Conservation and Management of Pollinators for Sustainable Agriculture, through an Ecosystem Approach” implemented in seven countries – Brazil, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan and South Africa.
Crops, weeds and pollinators: Understanding ecological interaction for better management
Author: FAO
This publication looks at managing agricultural systems through an ecological approach, building upon beneficial biological interactions and finding positive synergies between pollination and weed management. These two aspects of agriculture consist of a multitude of interactions, both beneficial and harmful for the farmer and agriculture in general. If the practices applied to effectively control weeds can also benefit pollinators, there may be multiple benefits. As part of FAO’s “Global Action on Pollination Services for Sustainable Agriculture”, this publication was prepared in collaboration with experts to develop sound advice aimed for a wide range of countries and contexts to sustainably promote the twin goals of weed and pollinator management.
Policy Analysis Paper: Mainstreaming of biodiversity and ecosystem services with a focus on pollination
Author: FAO
This publication addresses the need to strengthen the interface between the scientific community, knowledge-holders and policymakers, and build capacity for and strengthen the use of science and knowledge in policymaking on the topic of ecosystem services. With respect to the ecosystem service of pollination, FAO developed a protocol to identify and assess pollination deficits in crops – resulting in a global meta-analysis, with data from eleven countries. Results emerging from this endeavor give strong indication that pollination deficits may exist in a wide variety of farming systems across the world. As a response to this science, researchers and policymakers from the eleven countries considered the range and types of actions that can address pollination deficits, and developed an indicative set of policy responses.
Potential effects of climate change on crop pollination
Author: FAO
Climate change has the potential to severely impact ecosystem services such as pollination. As with any change, both challenges and opportunities can be expected. Recognizing that the interactions between climate, crops and biodiversity are complex and not always well understood, the Plant Production and Protection Division of FAO has coordinated this review of the potential effects of climate change on crop pollination.