- Drones are trying to save the bee population
- Drones are already being used in Australia to replace insect pollinators
- Insects guarantee agricultural efficiency
Drones are trying to save the bee population
Rapidly evolving smart technologies are increasingly being used for a wide range of purposes, and now also to save bee populations. New Biotracks technology, designed to track bee movements, attaches tiny radar chips to bees and then a team of Oxford University researchers study their behaviour. The aim is to help declining insect and bird populations.
"Biotracks technology allows harmonic radar tags attached to bees to be tracked with a receiver on the drone. The aim is to understand better what is happening to plant pollinators. Dr Tonya Lander, PhD in Biology at the University of Oxford, who led the research team, said that the technology will soon be shared with more scientists, which could help answer some of the most pressing questions.
It has been estimated that insects pollinate more than 85% of plant species, but 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction. This could negatively impact the food supply chain, which is why the researchers set to work.
"We have a radar transmitter on the ground, a small tag attached to the bee's back between its wings like a small backpack, and a receiver carried by a drone flying above. Finally, the smallest harmonic radar tag was invented so that insects could wear it without affecting their behavior," explains Dr. Lander.
She adds that a small circuit was attached to the radar system that converted the signals to a higher frequency, which illuminates the bee and then sends back a higher-frequency signal that can be detected by another radio receiver. Experts describe this as a highly sophisticated mechanism, but the technology has only recently been tested and has not reached the stage of biology research[1].
Drones are already being used in Australia to replace insect pollinators
And in far-away Australia, a tomato farm already uses drones instead of insects. "Perfection Fresh, one of Australia's largest tomato growers, has been testing new drone technology for some time. The turbulence caused by the drones' propellers is said to help maximize the vibration of the reproductive parts of the blossom and disperse pollen, resulting in higher yields.
According to Australian tomato growers, drones can solve labor availability problems and are faster and more consistent. They also point out that drones can be used for crop assessment and disease monitoring, in addition to pollination.
In recent years, it has been observed that agriculture is one of the main users of drones worldwide. The increasing use of drones for pollination, both in covered farms and in fields, is driven by declining bee populations linked to higher temperatures, pesticide use, declining habitats and other human impacts.
However, some experts warn that technology often negatively alters the multiple benefits natural systems provide.
In Kenya, for example, honeybees provide pollination services and honey benefits. Moreover, in a country where human settlements encroach on traditional wildlife habitats, bees are used as 'living fences' to protect crops by preventing animals from retreating.
"Drones cannot perform all the functions that bees do in the wild, they can't compete at that level," says Newton Simiyu, project manager at Born Free Foundation, the conservation charity pioneered bee fencing.
Insects guarantee agricultural efficiency
Bees are crucial to agriculture because they pollinate crops. Around 75% of the world's food crops depend on bees, and they are among the most efficient pollinators. By pollinating crops, bees ensure higher yields, better quality of fruit and vegetables, and biodiversity. Bees also help to conserve wild plant species, which are important for ecosystem and soil health[2].
Protecting bees is crucial as their populations are declining due to a variety of threats such as pesticides, disease, climate change and habitat loss.
Reducing the use of pesticides can contribute to bee protection. Beekeepers can choose organic or less toxic pesticides or use them only when absolutely necessary, spraying them when bees are not active, for example, in the evening.
By planting different species of plants that flower at different times, it is possible to create a permanent food source for bees. Plants such as clover, lavender, daisies or woody plants provide nectar and pollen for bees. Bees also need natural habitats in which to live and reproduce. Wild meadows, tree trunks or even special bee boxes in gardens or fields can be left.
Organic farming uses natural pest control methods and limits the use of chemicals that harm bees, so choosing organically grown produce encourages the development of this type of farming. Educating the public about the importance of bees and how to protect them can encourage more people to take action.
Insects are important for farming, not only for pollination but also for contributing to soil quality and pest control. Some insects, such as ants and beetles, recycle organic waste, improving soil structure and fertility. Other insects, such as ladybirds, kill pests that can damage crops. Without insects, the growth and yield of many crops would be significantly reduced, with significant negative impacts on the entire food supply chain.
