Refining experimental design for crop pollination research: an interdisciplinary framework

Crop pollination is a dynamic ecosystem service shaped by biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors. Meta-analyses across studies can provide valuable insights for pollination management, yet such syntheses are often hindered by mismatches in variables across studies. These limitations are not due to the absence of standardised methods for specific pollination components (e.g., pollen viability assessment) but because standardisation across multiple components is inherently impractical. Given this persistent challenge, methodological resources are needed that acknowledge the complexity and interconnectedness of pollination components and offer ways to integrate them. Such resources would help researchers prioritise the collection of the most relevant, high-quality data. We present a conceptual framework that integrates plant-, insect-, and environment-centric pollination components for designing trials in production ecosystems. The framework includes four plant-focused components: (1) pollinator dependency and pollen deficit, (2) pollen availability, compatibility, and viability, (3) pollen requirement, and (4) flower quality and receptivity, and four insect-focused components: (1) flower-visitor identity and abundance, (2) pollen transfer, (3) pollinator movement and pollen carryover, and (4) pollen flow in the landscape and its interactions with the surrounding environment. Rather than prescribing methods, we outline how each component informs research questions, connects to other data types, and key considerations for robust data collection. This framework enhances reproducibility, facilitates cross-study comparisons, and supports synthesis efforts. By embracing the multidisciplinary nature of pollination research, we aim to improve understanding of pollination dynamics in production ecosystems, reduce biases, and meet future food and fibre demands.