Publications

Plant-pollinator interactions in apple orchards from a production and conservation perspective

In the article in Conservation Science and Practice, the authors show that flower strips and hedges are beneficial for the conservation of apple pollinators without having a detrimental effect on the pollination of apple blossoms.

Microplastics in agricultural landscapes

Bees and other beneficial insects ingest nano- and microplastics through food and air. This can lead to organic damage and behavioural changes and impair their functions as pollinators and pest controllers.

Biodiversity fact check

In this study, experts describe the current status and trends of biodiversity in Germany.

Praxishandbuch Nutzpflanzenbestäubung

Increasing yields by promoting biodiversity

The book was published on 12 May 2025 and deals with the promotion of pollinators in agricultural landscapes. It contains detailed plant and bee profiles as well as concrete measures to specifically support pollinators and thereby increase pollination services.

The central message of the book is that in order for pollinators to return to our farmland and increase crop yields, it is crucial to provide flowering plants as sources of nectar and pollen as well as suitable nesting sites for wild bees. Some of these measures can be implemented not only in agriculture, but also in small gardens and even on balconies.

Wildbienen und Wespen in Nisthilfen bestimmen

An identification key for Germany

This identification key was specially developed to identify cavity-nesting wild bees and wasps and their counterparts in nesting aids. The features used for identification are based on pictures of brood cells as typically found in nesting aids made of wood or reed tubes.

Das wächst in deiner Stadt

#Krautschau – 95 Pflanzen erkennen

This book by Alexandra-Maria Klein and Julia Krohmer helps to identify plants in urban areas and raises awareness of the importance of plants in cities.
It has been translated into other languages and is now also available in English, French, Dutch and Czech.

Defining Agroecology: A Festschrift for Teja Tscharntke

This commemorative publication brings together a large number of works that were inspired, influenced or stimulated by the work of Teja Tscharntke – be it through his academic work or through him personally.

The contributions are structured along the five central themes that characterise Teja Tscharntke’s research: landscape ecology, pollination, multitrophic interactions, food security and socio-ecological systems.