““We’ve discovered that butterflies and moths accumulate so much static electricity when flying that pollen is literally pulled through the air towards them as they approach a flower.”

Static electricity attracts pollen to insects

Science Notes: Butterflies, moths pull pollen to them without touching plants

Butterflies and moths collect so much static electricity while in flight that pollen grains from flowers can be pulled across air gaps of several millimetres or centimetres. The finding, published recently in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, suggests this likely increases their efficiency and effectiveness as pollinators. The study opens the door to […] Read more

A better understanding of the biological processes of crops could help with spraying efficiency.

Crop biological clocks show spraying success affected by time of day

Researchers found that biological processes in plants can determine spray success

The most efficient use of herbicides depends on their timing relating to weather – but it also may depend on the biological clocks of the plants being sprayed. Research at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom showed that the amount of herbicide needed to affect a plant varied by time of day. “This […] Read more