Introduction
Pollination is an essential aspect of plant production that depends on insects, birds, and water. Out of the 250000 various species of plants, 89% are angiosperm, and 90% of them rely on insect pollination (Wink, 2020). The European honeybee (Apis mellifera) accounts for one-third of all insect-pollinated plants and crops. European honeybee, therefore, is very significant to human food supply and economic production. However, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has caused the European honeybee to decline since the 1980s consistently. CCD occurs when most worker bees in a colony disappear that are essential to the provision of food from pollen and honey production. An inordinate decline in the European honeybee population will influence negative effects on food production and economic performance.
Discussion
I would like to collaborate with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to identify the cause of the decline in the European honeybee population. CGIAR has adequate research experience and capacity to conduct an extensive investigation of the research problem. I would create the International Institute for Melittology Research (IIMR), whose mission would be to appreciate and improve the ecosystem and ambiance of bees to augment pollination and agricultural productivity.
The project will be completed in four phases, three months each, to solve the research problem successfully. First, the study will aspire to establish the definite and expected rate of decline in the European honeybee population over the years. Next is the relationship between CCD and the honeybee population. Thirdly, I will identify and compare the severity of CCD and the other factors affecting the honeybee population to highlight the threat.
Conclusion
Finally, use the trial method to determine the best management practices that can be implemented to eliminate the threat to the honeybee population. In the scenario that the European honeybee becomes extinct, wind, water, and bats can be adopted as alternative pollinators.
Reference
Wink, M. (2020). Evolution of the angiosperms and co-evolution of secondary metabolites, especially of Alkaloids. Co-evolution of secondary metabolites, 151-174.