Common air pollutants such as those found in car exhaust fumes react with floral scents, leading to reduced pollination by insects, according to new research. Researchers used a fumigation facility to control levels of pollution over an open field of mustard plants and observed the effects of these pollutants on pollination by local, free-flying insects. The presence of air pollution resulted in up to 90% fewer flower visits and one-third less pollination than in a smog-free field. The largest decrease in pollination came from bees, flies, moths and butterflies.
— source news.mongabay.com | Liz Kimbrough | 10 Feb 2022