Insect Pollinated Crops, Insect Pollinators and US Agriculture: Trend Analysis of Aggregate Data for the Period 1992–2009

摘要: In the US, cultivated area (hectares) and production (tonnes) of crops that require or benefit from insect pollination (directly dependent crops: apples, almonds, blueberries, cucurbits, etc.) increased 1992, first year in this study, through 1999 continued near those levels 2009; aggregate yield (tonnes/hectare) remained unchanged. The value directly attributed to all (2009 USD) decreased $14.29 billion 1996, for data $10.69 2001, but thereafter, reaching $15.12 by 2009. values honey bees non-Apis pollinators followed similar patterns, $11.68 $3.44 billion, respectively, grown seeds resulting (indirectly legume hays, carrots, onions, was stable 1992 1999, has since declined. Production also declined, albeit not as rapidly decline area; asymmetry due increases yield. indirectly declined $15.45 1996 $12.00 2004, trended upward. pollinators, exclusive alfalfa leafcutter bees, $5.39 $1.15 respectively hay ranged between $4.99 $7.04 billion. Trend analysis demonstrates US producers have a significant need diminution managed wild pollinator populations could seriously threaten pollinated pollination.