The Impact of Pesticides on Pollinator Health

Abstract

Pollinators play a crucial role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity, yet they face significant challenges due to human activities, particularly the use of pesticides. This abstract examines the profound impact of pesticides on pollinator populations, emphasizing both direct and indirect effects on their health and behavior. Pesticides, designed to protect crops from pests, inadvertently affect non-target organisms such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The primary modes of exposure for pollinators include ingestion of contaminated pollen and nectar, as well as direct contact with pesticide residues on plants and in the environment. These exposures can lead to immediate mortality in some cases, but more insidiously, sublethal effects such as impaired navigation, reduced foraging efficiency, and compromised immune function are increasingly recognized.