ISHS Acta Horticulturae 446: VI International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
POLLINATION OF WILD LOWBUSH BLUEBERRY, VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM BY THE ALFALFA LEAFCUTTING BEE, MEGACHILE ROTUNDATA |
| Authors: | C. S. Stubbs, F. A. Drummond |
| Keywords: | Apis mellifera, bees, crop pollination, honey bees, Hymenoptera |
| Abstract:
Use of the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata F.) as an alternative pollinator to the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) of wild lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) was investigated. To determine pollinator effectiveness and stocking density, we investigated the effect of the alfalfa leafcutting bee on fruit set in relation to foraging distance from the nesting site. The alfalfa leafcutting bee improved fruit set over background pollination by honeybees and native pollinators by as much as 30%. Based on a significant relationship between distance from the nesting shelter and percent fruit set obtained at nine of 15 sites, a recommended stocking density of 49,420 bees/hectare was estimated. The alfalfa leafcutting bee is a suitable alternative to the honey bee for lowbush blueberry. We present a method of estimating their cost-effectiveness in relation to the rental of honey bee hives. | |
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