Advancing Sustainable Agriculture Through Bumblebee Pollination: Bibliometric Insights and Future Directions

Mei Bie, Kai Song, He Dong, Wanru Zhao, Hongze Lin, Dongfang Shi () and Duo Liu ()
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Mei Bie: Institute of Education, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
Kai Song: School of Life Science, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
He Dong: School of Life Science, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
Wanru Zhao: School of Life Science, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
Hongze Lin: College of Computer Science and Technology, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
Dongfang Shi: Institute of Innovation Science and Technology, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China
Duo Liu: School of Life Science, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-23

Abstract: Bumblebees ( Bombus spp.) are pivotal to sustaining biodiversity and enhancing agricultural productivity, thanks to their unique pollination mechanisms, including “buzz pollination”. Their ability to operate under adverse conditions—low temperatures and dim light—makes them essential for crops like tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries. This study synthesizes the ecological and behavioral traits of bumblebees, such as floral fidelity and vibration pollination, and explores their indispensable role in agricultural systems, particularly in greenhouse and open-field farming. By employing a bibliometric analysis, this review identifies critical research trends and emerging frontiers in bumblebee pollination, including their integration with precision agriculture technologies like remote sensing and artificial intelligence. Notably, there is increasing research on the impacts of climate change on bumblebee behavior and distribution, with studies focusing on how environmental stressors influence pollination efficiency. Additionally, the potential of using bumblebees in agroecological approaches and their role in enhancing crop resilience in changing climates are gaining traction. Moreover, it highlights the challenges posed by habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and climate change, emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts. This study proposes interdisciplinary strategies for optimizing bumblebee pollination services, aiming to support sustainable agriculture and strengthen ecosystem resilience. The findings provide theoretical and practical insights for leveraging bumblebee pollination to achieve global food security and ecosystem stability.

Keywords: bumblebees; pollination; sustainable agriculture; climate adaptation; population conservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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