Pesticide impacts on insect pollinators: Current knowledge and future research challenges

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Ecology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Intensified agriculture drives increased pesticide use globally.
• Pesticides are a major factor in pollinator decline, as identified by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
• Previous research on pesticide effects on pollinators is limited in scope and geographic representation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first long-term, global analysis of pesticide use trends (1995-2020).
• To review literature on pesticide impacts on pollinators since the 2016 IPBES assessment.
• To forecast regional pesticide use trends up to 2030 and identify knowledge gaps.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of global pesticide use data from FAOSTAT (1995-2020).
• Systematic literature review of studies published between 2016-2022 on pesticide impacts on pollinators.
• Development of forecast models for regional pesticide use trends.

Main Results:

• Significant inter-regional variations in pesticide use, with some countries showing 3000-4000% increases.
• Projected increases in pesticide use across Africa, South America, Asia, North America, and Central Asia.
• Identification of regional research gaps and a comprehensive update on current knowledge of pesticide impacts.

Conclusions:

• Pesticide use is projected to increase globally, particularly in Africa and Asia.
• There is a critical need for more region-specific research on pesticide impacts on diverse pollinator species.
• Addressing knowledge gaps and implementing conservation initiatives are crucial for pollinator protection.