Question

Explore the crop fields near your school and find out different pollination strategies adopted by different cereal and vegetable crop plants. Talk to farmers on the following points - 

1. Pollinators of different crops 
2. Reason for the declining population of pollinators and their solutions 

Observe the pollinators visiting your school garden. Notice and record their activity. Let each student take pictures of at least five different types of pollinators and which plants they visit. Compile the data and showcase your work to discuss how pollination occurs in different plants.

Answer 1

1. Pollinators of Different Crops: Different crops are pollinated by different agents. Wheat, rice and maize are mainly pollinated by wind, while sunflower, mustard, pumpkin and cucumber are pollinated by insects like bees and butterflies.
2. Reasons for Declining Population of Pollinators and Solutions: Pollinators are declining due to excessive use of pesticides, pollution, deforestation and climate change. We can protect them by reducing pesticide use, planting more flowering plants and conserving their natural habitats.

Conclusion:

Pollinators play an important role in plant reproduction by helping in pollen transfer, seed formation and crop production. Protecting them is essential for agriculture and biodiversity.