[Pollinator] Fwd: FW: Researchers call for urgent prioritisation of pollinators in native seed production

[Peter Bernhardt]

*From:* MQ Communications <communications at mq.edu.au>
*Sent:* Monday, 10 August 2026 1:30 PM
*To:* Nicola Russell <nicola.russell at mq.edu.au>
*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
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rec.70282__;!!FvZmfVE!FHmODcyMiVC8MSpc5s8TFBTFzuWcGpfgFIiUA-FKsVr56zo5kt30oZ6zut19-vzf_TlolRyHTYxNesDLiAcziBKdIMXLPq2s8g$>,
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*
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.greeningaustralia.org.au/subscribe-to-spa-research-updates/__;!!FvZmfVE!FHmODcyMiVC8MSpc5s8TFBTFzuWcGpfgFIiUA-FKsVr56zo5kt30oZ6zut19-vzf_TlolRyHTYxNesDLiAcziBKdIMWgxJ5sgg$>*
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* <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.


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