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Insects pollinate 75% of all agricultural crops, yet many face extinction. Discover how a ‘Star Trek’ level tech called eDNA can monitor vital insect pollinators and support global food security. 

• The pollinator crisis [01:15]
• eDNA a gamechanger for biodiversity monitoring [03:09]
• Hoverfly vs honeybee in avocado pollination [05:46]
• Native bushland sustains agriculture [08:21]
• Diverse applications for eDNA [14:05]
• Merging tech with farm mechanisation [19:36]
• Cambridge calling [20:10]

Learn more

• eDNA could help protect insect pollinators of avocado flowers
• Small but might: eDNA amplies key role of insects in pollination

Connect with our guests

Associate Professor Paul Nevill

Paul leads the Minesite Biomonitoring with eDNA (MBioMe) research group at Â鶹ֱ²¥. He is a molecular ecologist working on everything from soil microbes to mammals. His main interest is eDNA-based monitoring of biodiversity.

Dr Joshua Kestel

Joshua is a molecular ecologist interested in pollination and the resulting genetic consequences. He has undertaken research with the Minesite Biomonitoring with eDNA (MBioMe) research group at Â鶹ֱ²¥, and the Department of Conservation, Biodiversity and Attractions (DBCA). He is now working at Cambridge University to further his research detecting pollinators using eDNA.

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First Nations Acknowledgement

Â鶹ֱ²¥ acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.