Agriculture threatens insect diversity: urgent need for action!

Agriculture threatens insect diversity: urgent need for action!

Agriculture has a significant impact on insect diversity, as a study by the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg shows. This study, led by Professor Jörg Müller and published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, reveals an alarming decline in insect biodiversity of up to 44 percent in agricultural land. The consumption of forage crops and the frequent use of pesticides play a central role in this loss, which threatens both the health and stability of ecosystems.

The researchers analyzed insect species from 400 families in different habitats in Bavaria. They examined samples from insect traps that were set up in both agricultural and natural areas. The novel DNA metabarcoding method was used, which makes it possible to systematically identify all insect species contained in a sample. This technique showed that agricultural areas had a higher coverage level than semi-natural habitats, underscoring the urgency of biodiversity-sensitive land use.

Innovative analysis methods for biodiversity recording

Biodiversity loss is not only limited to insects but requires innovative approaches to assessing biodiversity more generally. Part of the research involves collecting biodiversity data to support species identification. Insects are of central importance here as they make up a significant part of biodiversity and play fundamental roles within ecosystems.

The research also outlines the potential of bulk insect sampling to assess biodiversity and supplement the taxonomic coverage of soil samples. The study collected insects from 25 locations on three continents using a variety of trapping methods, including SLAM traps in Brazil and Malaise traps in South Africa and Sweden. The results showed a different taxonomic composition between soil and insect samples and highlight how important bulk insect samples can be as a complementary tool for biodiversity research.

Consequences for ecosystems and the need for action

The research and the insights gained from it show clear connections between the decline in insect diversity and the influence of agriculture. Loss of almost 30 percent in evolutionary diversity has been demonstrated. To date, many studies have concluded that the impact of agricultural practices on insect diversity has likely been underestimated. This means that methods for monitoring ecological changes in insect communities urgently need to be developed to find sustainable solutions.

The urgency of these studies is reinforced by the potentially serious consequences for the health and stability of ecosystems. The use of non-destructive DNA extraction protocols could help preserve valuable information about animal diversity while promoting cost-effective biodiversity assessments.

Overall, the researchers' work shows that innovative approaches and technologies are necessary to effectively assess biodiversity and promote environmentally friendly practices in agriculture.