138
submitted 8 months ago by L4s@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world

Farmers turn to tech as bees struggle to pollinate::With bee populations struggling, mechanical pollination may be increasingly needed as a back-up.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] autotldr@lemmings.world 2 points 8 months ago

This is the best summary I could come up with:


Both products are controlled by an AI-based software system linked to a mobile phone app, and each is fitted with a GPS tool so that farm workers know which areas of a field have been treated.

"Travel can stress honey bees and weaken colonies, but the business of pollinating almonds is hugely important for beekeeper income, and keeping their operations economically viable," she says.

Other commentators point to the high mortality rate of honeybees in the almond fields, with beekeepers blaming exposure to pesticides, and the stress of their hives being transported thousands of miles.

In addition, Mr Sade says that such intensive use of honeybees "poses a threat to indigenous wild bees who are forced to compete for food, and are exposed to new diseases".

Diane Drinkwater from the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) counters that "if bee health and welfare are prioritised, then the need for artificial pollination is largely unnecessary".

"Bees have been pollinating fine for millions of years mainly for free, except for the bribery offered by the flowers in the form of nectar," she adds.


The original article contains 982 words, the summary contains 179 words. Saved 82%. I'm a bot and I'm open source!

this post was submitted on 22 Oct 2023
138 points (98.6% liked)

Technology

55643 readers
3766 users here now

This is a most excellent place for technology news and articles.


Our Rules


  1. Follow the lemmy.world rules.
  2. Only tech related content.
  3. Be excellent to each another!
  4. Mod approved content bots can post up to 10 articles per day.
  5. Threads asking for personal tech support may be deleted.
  6. Politics threads may be removed.
  7. No memes allowed as posts, OK to post as comments.
  8. Only approved bots from the list below, to ask if your bot can be added please contact us.
  9. Check for duplicates before posting, duplicates may be removed

Approved Bots


founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS