A systems approach to maximising crop pollination using companion flowers. Planting pollinator-attractive 'companion' plants alongside less-attractive crops has been proposed as a biodiversity friendl

Description

A systems approach to maximising crop pollination using companion flowers. Planting pollinator-attractive 'companion' plants alongside less-attractive crops has been proposed as a biodiversity friendly way to increase yields in pollinator-dependent crops. However, companion flowers can also have negative impacts on the pollination success of their neighbours. This project aims to determine how flower traits and pollinator behaviours interact to determine whether a companion flower helps or hinders its co-flowering neighbours. Expected outcomes include new techniques for improving pollination success in pollinator-dependent crops. This project will yield significant benefits to food production and food security by developing techniques for safeguarding pollination amidst ongoing pollinator declines.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 3103 - Ecology. Lead: A/Prof Tanya Latty