Evaluation of field density, cultivar preference, and northeast grower evaluation of the hornfaced bee as an alternative sustainable pollinator for highbush blueberry production

2007 Annual Report for LNE06-249

Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2006: $96,380.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2010
Region: Northeast
State: West Virginia
Project Leader:
Dr. Todd West
West Virginia University

Evaluation of field density, cultivar preference, and northeast grower evaluation of the hornfaced bee as an alternative sustainable pollinator for highbush blueberry production

Summary

This project suffered major delays and setbacks during the 2007 year. A portion of the research is being conducted on a local commercial blueberry farm in Monongalia County, WV. This farm suffered near 100% losses of the blueberry crop due to the late frost that occurred in the region in 2007. We were unable to conduct any field studies with respect to bee density and cultivar preference. Other objective of this research was for commercial growers to evaluate the hornfaced bees at their own respective farms. In late winter we inspected the bees and discovered that the bees were infected with large populations of pollen mites which had a severe effect on bee mortality. The hornfaced bee population that were going to be sent out to growers were severely affected and were not shipped out do to concerns of spreading the pollen mites. Currently, research is being conducted in how to control and treat the bees to remove the pollen mite threat.

Objectives/Performance Targets

No progress has been made with respect to performance targets and objects because of the loss of the field crop (frost damage) and inability to ship bees out to participating growers (mite infestation).

Accomplishments/Milestones

Based on the success of completion of the first project milestone from 2006. Part of the second milestone was accomplished in 2007. Twenty-five growers have been selected to receive a hornfaced bee trial pollinator packet which will include bees, housing materials and use instructions. We were unable to complete the second portion of the milestone because of the mite infestations and loss of the research field crop.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

In 2008, the field studies to evaluate bee density requirement and cultivar preferences will continue. Bee will not be ready to ship out in 2008 to commercial blueberry growers because of the insufficient bee populations and mite infestation issues. Currently, Dr. Yong-Lak Park, WVU Entomologist, is assisting in researching the mite issue to be able to bring the focus of the research back to bee pollination evaluation.