How does the decreasing biodiversity of pollinators affect agricultural yields in the world and in Hungary?
Abstract
A problem discussed more and more frequently in the last two decades is the decline in the number and diversity of pollinators. While the literature is unequivocal on this phenomenon, it is debated how much this decline affects agriculture. That is, the degree of dependence of world’s agriculture on pollination (as an ecosystem service) is not known exactly. In our article we survey the results of research concerning how the decline of pollinators affects agriculture. These show us that, both globally and in Hungary, the crops most important in total food production are not pollinated by animals. Nevertheless, in the case of many other crops, which are important for the balanced and healthy diet, their presence is essential, or at least their absence results in decreased yield or reduced quality.
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