From bernhap3 at gmail.com Mon Aug 10 07:40:17 2026 From: bernhap3 at gmail.com (Peter Bernhardt) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:40:17 -0500 Subject: [Pollinator] Fwd: FW: Researchers call for urgent prioritisation of pollinators in native seed production In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: *From:* MQ Communications *Sent:* Monday, 10 August 2026 1:30 PM *To:* Nicola Russell *Subject:* Researchers call for urgent prioritisation of pollinators in native seed production *[image: image.png] * *Researchers call for urgent prioritisation of pollinators in native seed production* A new Australian-led scientific review is warning that pollinators ? like bees, birds and wasps ? are not adequately supported in Native Seed Production Areas (SPAs) ? with the failure to provide pollination placing the biodiversity goals in jeopardy. The scientists argue that that SPAs - an increasingly critical tool for meeting restoration demands and tackling biodiversity loss ? should be better designed to meet the needs of pollinators, in turn crucial for the survival of flowering plants. The peer-reviewed study published in Restoration Ecology , led by Dr Kit Prendergast with co-authors, the late Dr Melinda Pickup from Greening Australia and Dr David Field from Macquarie University sets out the first comprehensive framework for ensuring pollinators are built into SPA design from the ground up. ?If we want large-scale restoration to succeed, we need to think beyond which target plants to grow in SPAs and also consider how to support the pollinators that help those plants reproduce,? said Dr Prendergast. Despite the increased public and private funding available to establish SPAs, the authors found limited research and practical guidance on how to support pollinators in native seed banks, compared with agricultural settings. ?Without effective pollination of native plants, seed yields fall and genetic diversity declines,? said Dr Field. ?This undermines efforts to restore ecosystems at scale.? The review calls for stronger collaboration across scientific disciplines*, *and supports the ongoing efforts, started by Greening Australia on the creation of a central, open-access database of plant?pollinator interactions to guide restoration efforts. ?This is an urgent priority for Australia, to help bridge knowledge gaps of plant?pollinator networks, pollination outcomes, and the ecological requirements of pollinators,? said Dr Field. *A blueprint for pollinator-friendly seed production* The research provides the first comprehensive framework for designing SPAs that actively support pollinators. Key recommendations include: - Siting SPAs near remnant native vegetation to ensure pollinators can reach them - Selecting a diversity of plant species for the SPA that will provide food across the pollinator life cycle - Identifying which animal species pollinate target plants and their specific needs - Including nesting sites and resources critical for native bees and other pollinators - Reducing reliance on introduced pollinators (i.e. European honeybee) that may compete with local fauna. *This research is part of a broader collaborative project funded by The Ian Potter Foundation to build best practice in native seed production, which was led by Greening Australia?s Dr Melinda Pickup. A co-author on this review, Melinda tragically passed away after it was accepted for publication.* *The research continues, honouring her legacy. If you are interested in getting updates from our SPA research project straight to your inbox, **complete this form* * to be added to the mailing list.* *Dr David Field and Dr Kit Prendergast are available for interview* *Please Contact:* * Dr Kit Prendergast: +61 413 264 820* *Dr David Field: +61 450 644 763* *Or contact the Macquarie University media team: +61 435 294 123 * *communications at mq.edu.au* *Nicola Russell* ???????????????????????????????????????????????? Media Advisor Communications | Group Marketing Level 2, 18 Wally's Walk, Macquarie University E:nicola.russell at mq.edu.au [image: Image] I acknowledge the Wallumattagal people of the Dharug nation who are the Custodians of the lands that Macquarie University is built and whose cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, this land, since time immemorial. I pay my respect to Elders past and present. ------------------------------ Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. 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