Challenge Many emerging crops of interest to Costa are pollinator-dependent, yet traditional pollinators like honeybees may not be the most effective or reliable option for all crop types or environments. As agriculture evolves, there is a need to diversify pollination strategies to ensure consistent fruit set, yield, and quality.
Solution This research project investigates the potential of select insect species to serve as effective pollinators for a range of innovative crops. By assessing the pollination efficiency and compatibility of alternative insects, the study aims to identify species that can complement or enhance existing pollination systems tailored to specific crop needs and production conditions.
Impact The outcomes will help Costa improve pollination reliability and productivity across novel crop varieties, reduce reliance on traditional pollinators, and support more resilient, sustainable horticultural systems. This research also contributes to broader efforts in agroecological innovation by enhancing biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem services in modern agriculture.
