Pollinator

What Does Pollinator Mean?

A pollinator is the means by which pollen is moved within flowers, or transported from one flower to another. There are several different types of pollinators, and can include insects, animals, or non-living means like wind. Pollinators are very important in the life of plants as they assist in fertilization.

Maximum Yield Explains Pollinator

The most common pollinators are insects, especially bees. When these pollinators land on a flower, pollen grains stick to their bodies and then transferred from plant to plant. Other animal pollinators include birds, bats, rodents, and some reptiles. Pollinating birds, such as hummingbirds, are specially equipped to pollinate deep-throated flowers.

Pollinators also play an important role in the lives of humans. There are over 1,000 plants that are grown for food and resources. Some examples of food produced with the aid of pollinators are apples, chocolate, coffee, and almonds.

Unfortunately, environmental contaminants, habitat loss, and disease have created a decline in pollinators. This has been especially true for honeybees. However, there are many methods horticulturalists take advantage of to ensure a healthy pollinator population. Some of these methods include cultivating plants especially for pollinators, reducing pesticide use, and installing houses for native bees.