VEON Ltd’s Post

Comparative abundance and foraging behaviour of insect pollinators of raya, Brassica juncea L. and role of Apis mellifera L. in crop pollination https://t.co/stk9cY3DE8 #EurekaMag

In #European forests, the bark beetle (Ips typographus) has been a major source of #insect outbreaks. And while epidemic-scale #infestations were historically infrequent, when they do occur, the ecological and financial impacts are catastrophic. For instance, in 2019, the #czechrepublic lost 66,000 hectares of #spruce forests due to a bark beetle epidemic. Over the coming decades, the costs of insect outbreaks are projected to increase as the higher temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events caused by climate change provide conditions for increased breeding. #Copernicus #Sentinel-2’s multispectral instruments allow the measurement of 13 spectral bands, corresponding to the pigment in the leaves, to the cell structure of the plants, and to their water content. Although some of these changes may not be easily distinguishable to the naked eye, they allow us to differentiate healthy trees from those suffering from insect infestation or disease. The computation of vegetation and water stress indices from these spectral bands is assembled into SWIFTT’s model, which is trained to detect forests attacked by bark beetles. With it, the SWIFTT platform will allow early detection of insect-infested trees, helping #foresters map #dieback in their forests, coordinate sanitary cuts, and prevent their spread. Learn more about SWIFTT: https://swiftt.eu/ Follow SWIFTT on Twitter: https://lnkd.in/ezHrbYXm #environment #forestry #satellites #ai #machinelearning #horizoneurope Nataliia Kussul | Annalisa Appice | Laura Veinberga | Chiara Solimini | Xavier Aubry | Quentin d'Huart | Juris Zarins | Hanna Yailymova | Andrii Shelestov

Help! Sea Grass - any experts here? I am searching for people in mariculture, oceanography, marine botany, and food science. The reason: certain sea grass species create something called ocean rice. It is high in fibre, no glutens, high in protein and minerals. Perfect for diabetics. Sea grass accounts for 10-18% of total ocean carbon storage despite covering less than 0.1% of the seafloor. Since the only way we will do anything about climate change is by profiting off it, the idea is to plant and harvest sea grass at scale, to use the grass and it’s seeds. But I just have a naive view about it, so need to run the specifics of the idea by some experts. Anyone know anyone? You will get the first batch of Seagrass “carbon cookies” as thanks. #climatechange #foodscience #carboncapture

Global Priority Species of Economically Important Rattan This technical report attempts to revise the list of priority species of rattan. Resolving the taxonomic and nomenclatural problems related to rattan is quite difficult given the high morphological variation and widespread taxa across different countries that are often treated as separate species or varieties. As rattans are not cultivated in large-scale plantations by farmers in the same way as bamboos, a proper understanding of the correct species identification, silviculture techniques, agro-ecological suitability for cultivation, diseases, pests and properties of the cane is important in relation to popularizing cultivation and, therefore, improving the resource base. https://lnkd.in/dfm3w84f

Have you ever seen a Hummingbird Hawk-Moth...? The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a fascinating insect. Here are some facts about it: 1. Resemblance to Hummingbirds: These moths are known for their remarkable resemblance to hummingbirds. They have long proboscises that they use to feed on nectar while hovering in front of flowers, much like hummingbirds. 2. Geographic Distribution: They are found in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Their range extends as far north as Scandinavia. 3. Diurnal Behavior: Unlike most moths, Hummingbird Hawk-Moths are diurnal, meaning they are active during the daytime. 4. Migration: Some populations of these moths are known to migrate long distances, similar to birds. They can be seen in large numbers during their migration. 5. Life Cycle: They undergo a complete metamorphosis, with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. The larvae feed on various plants, including honeysuckle and bedstraw. 6. Camouflage: The caterpillar of the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is often green and blends in with the leaves of the plants it feeds on. 7. Rapid Wingbeat: Their wings beat rapidly, sometimes up to 85 times per second, which contributes to their hummingbird-like appearance. 8. Long Proboscis: Their long, flexible proboscis allows them to reach nectar in deep, tubular flowers. 9. Mimicry: They employ Batesian mimicry to deter predators. Their appearance and behavior mimic hummingbirds, which are usually avoided by potential predators. 10. Pollinators: Hummingbird Hawk-Moths are effective pollinators of the flowers they feed on, as they transfer pollen from one flower to another while foraging. 11. Nocturnal Behavior: While they are primarily active during the day, they may also feed at dusk and dawn, adopting some nocturnal behavior. 12. Longevity: The adult moths have a relatively short lifespan, typically living for only a few weeks. #HummingbirdHawkMoth #moth #insect #hummingbird #pollinator #agri #agriculture