The African Centre for DNA Barcoding is using genes in the chloroplasts of plants to identify exactly which pollinators visit plants and why. Known as Metabarcoding, this technology is allowing researchers a clearer understanding of pollinator networks. It is not a simple case of employing observation, as plants may be visited by one or multiple pollinators, and many plants may be visited. Gathering greater insight into this process is opening a window into a world that is currently under multiple threats.
Metabarcoding now has the potential to unpack the complexity in our pollinator eco-systems, both natural and agricultural.