Pollination Biology Biodiversity Conservation and Agricultural Produ
This book discusses the interplay between pollinators, agriculture, and the environment. The book is an unique blend of pure and applied science placed in the broader human social context. It deals with basic and applied aspects of pollination biolo
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Dharam P. Abrol
Pollination Biology Biodiversity Conservation and Agricultural Production
Dharam P. Abrol Division of Entomology Faculty of Agriculture Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Main Campus Chatha Jammu 180009 India [email protected]
ISBN 978-94-007-1941-5 e-ISBN 978-94-007-1942-2 DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1942-2 Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg London New York Library of Congress Control Number: 2011935032 © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012 No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the Publisher, with the exception of any material supplied specifically for the purpose of being entered and executed on a computer system, for exclusive use by the purchaser of the work. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com)
Foreword
We dwell in the midst of yet another world food shortage that exacerbated by escalating prices the world over. Coupled to the apparent instability of climate cycles in recent years, one-fourth of our growing human population is fast approaching famine. Concomitantly, this situation includes rampant declines in honeybee populations across three continents, for as yet incompletely resolved reasons, and with no remedy or end in sight. These problems have been further aided and abetted by a lack of prophylactic progress in the conservation of biodiversity and increased agricultural production. The above notwithstanding, there has been no shortage of interest in studies on honeybees in relation to pollination. Indeed, a brief perusal of this subject at the website Google scholar shows that during the last century the publication of research papers in this area has grown exponentially, and in just the last decade, some 15,000 items have appeared. In the event, it is both fair and pertinent to ask: “Is there actually need for yet another work on pollination biology, the conservation of biodiversity, and agricultural production”? The answer depends on whether we are after the analysis, perhaps in great detail, of a particular aspect of a system; or seek a holistic treatise concerned with complete systems within a social human context. For the former, there are several excellent, scholarly works available. Works of the latter kind are few and far between. The present tome “Pollination biology – Biodiversity conservation and agricultural production” is of the latter kind. This work originates in the Himalayan region where agriculturalists have pioneered practical studies in pollination that combine basic ideas rooted in three facets: biological conservation, rural development and increased agricultural production and the role of pollination in improving food security and livelihoods. Professor Abrol develops the theme that pollination is basic to agricultural and natural productivity and that this is an ancient co-evolve
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