ISHS Acta Horticulturae 446: VI International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
SOLITARY BEES FOR VACCINIUM POLLINATION |
| Author: | S. W.T. Batra |
| Keywords: | blueberries, cranberries, Colletes, spp., Anthophora spp., management of Apoidea |
| Abstract:
Blueberries are pollinated by a wide variety of solitary bees, especially species of Andrena, which nest underground. Honey bees are often used to ensure adequate pollination when such native solitary bees are insufficient; however honey bees do not prefer blueberry flowers, and they may depart for more favored hosts, within their foraging range. Populations of many soil-dwelling native solitary bees could be encouraged to nest in or near blueberry fields, by providing south-facing slopes of well-drained, sandy soil, backed to the north by windbreaks. Drilled blocks, pithy stems, reeds and brush piles can be provided for other species. Two solitary bees, Colletes validus and Anthophora pilipes villosula, are being studied at Beltsville. They are potentially manageable, sonicating pollinators for highbush and lowbush blueberries. Research on solitary bees that pollinate blueberries and cranberries is reviewed. | |
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