Project Overview
FNC95-121
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 1995: $2,545.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/1995
Region: North Central
State: Wisconsin
Project Coordinator:
Commodities
- Fruits: apples
- Animals: bees
Practices
- Crop Production: pollination, pollinator health
Summary:
Crucial t ofruit production is timely and efficient pollination. Pesticide and disease problems may require less reliance on honeybees for pollination purposes.
Objectives: To test feasibility of collecting and utilizing orchard mason bees native to southwest Wisconsin and importing additional orchard mason bees to build a population adequate for apple orchard pollination.
Results: Project had limited success in 1996 due to adverse weather conditions and a high mortality rate of the bee population. Project was extended for one year for further study.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.