The hidden nocturnal pollination in agro-ecosystems

As a key ecosystem service, pollination has received a lot of attention in recent years. Nonetheless, pollination research is almost exclusively focused on diurnal pollinators like bees, bumblebees and hoverflies. Nocturnal pollinators, like many species of nocturnal moths and some beetle species, have been widely overlooked, and their diversity patterns, importance and effectiveness in pollination networks in general and in relation to agricultural crops remains poorly understood. This project aims to address these acute and persisting knowledge gaps. The research is envisioned to combine observations of nocturnal pollinator flower visits, pollinator exclusion experiments with measurements of resulting fruit and seed set and light trapping of nocturnal pollinator assemblages with subsequent analysis of pollen loads. Geographically, the planned focus will be on selected fruit orchards located in East Anglia, UK. With populations of diurnal pollinators experiencing massive declines across large parts of the world, the results of this study will provide a first solid assessment of the potential ability of nocturnal pollinators to counterbalance effects these declines have for the pollination of key insect-pollinated crops, and therefore also for our food production. It will help farmers and policy-makers alike to appreciate the role of nocturnal pollinators, potentially triggering enhancements in the protection and management of their assemblages.