There is no doubt that insect pollination is a vital service for agricultural systems. Without insect pollinators, roughly a third of the world’s crops would flower, only to fade and then lie barren. Pollinators ensure abundant fruits and vegetables. Of all insect pollinators, bees are the most important. In the US alone, the value of pollination services by bees is estimated to be $18 billion, but these services are threatened and finding alternatives is crucial for long-term pollination success.
