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Image: Hoverflies — a family of insects that pollinate crops and control pests — get a boost from planting and maintaining trees around fields, according to a U of A study. Credit: John Acorn.
Study shows treed borders around crops provide a base for pollinating, pest-eating hoverflies AgricultureNews

Study shows treed borders around crops provide a base for pollinating, pest-eating hoverflies

A study reveals that treed field borders around crops significantly boost populations of hoverflies—key insects for pollination and pest control. Compared to grassy borders, treed edges supplied over 33 times more hoverflies, supporting crop yields and pest reduction. This strategy…
Isabel
28/10/2024
Image: A crescent-shaped petal pre-pattern was observed very early in petal development before any visible pigment. Colour map of cell area across the adaxial epidermis of HtTCP4.1 OE petals during early developmental stages (from S0a to S2E). Scale bar, 100 μm. Credit: Science Advances
Flowers use adjustable ‘paint by numbers’ petal designs to attract pollinators NewsPlant Science

Flowers use adjustable ‘paint by numbers’ petal designs to attract pollinators

Flowers like hibiscus use a hidden, early-stage “paint by numbers” system to form petal bullseyes, which attract pollinators like bees. Research reveals bees favor larger bullseyes, boosting pollination efficiency by 25%. Understanding these patterns’ development aids in exploring plant evolution…
Isabel
15/10/2024