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Breeze, T. D., A. P. Bailey, et al. (2011). "Pollination services in
the UK: How important are honeybees?" <u>Agriculture, Ecosystems
& Environment</u> <b>142</b>(3-4): 137-143.<br>
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Pollination services are known to provide substantial benefits to human
populations and agriculture in particular. Although many species are
known to provide pollination services, honeybees (Apis mellifera) are
often assumed to provide the majority of these services to agriculture.
Using data from a range of secondary sources, this study assesses the
importance of insect pollinated crops at regional and national scales and
investigates the capacity of honeybees to provide optimal pollination
services to UK agriculture. The findings indicate that insect pollinated
crops have become increasingly important in UK crop agriculture and, as
of 2007, accounted for 20% of UK cropland and 19% of total farmgate crop
value. Analysis of honeybee hive numbers indicates that current UK
populations are only capable of supplying 34% of pollination service
demands even under favourable assumptions, falling from 70% in 1984. In
spite of this decline, insect pollinated crop yields have risen by an
average of 54% since 1984, casting doubt on long held beliefs that
honeybees provide the majority of pollination services. Future land use
and crop production patterns may further increase the role of pollination
services to UK agriculture, highlighting the importance of measures aimed
at maintaining both wild and managed species.<br><br>
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