Project Overview
Commodities
- Fruits: berries (blueberries), berries (other)
- Animals: bees
Practices
- Crop Production: pollination
- Education and Training: farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
Proposal abstract:
The mason bee (Osmia) industry remains small compared to other managed bee industries (i.e. honey bees, bumble bees, and alfalfa leafcutting bees). A major limiting factor of industry growth is slow bee propagation and having only a small set of target crops (primarily orchard crops). By expanding the number of managed mason bee species targeting specific crops that would benefit from diversified pollination (e.g. berry crops), we can open new crop markets for bee producers, and help alleviate pollination deficits for growers. Managed bee population growth also needs to be more sustainable. One primary issue facing the industry is unintended negative consequences on wild bee populations through extractive harvesting of mason bees from wild populations. We need to develop more sustainable ways of propagating bees, either on farms or in other landscapes, that reduce impacts to wild populations. Here, we will test management strategies for bee propagation of two newly managed Osmia species targeted for berry crop pollination (O. ribifloris and O. bruneri). This will include propagation efforts along an urban-wildland gradient through collaboration with community members, and propagation on commercial berry farms. With the aim of building up already managed populations, instead of harvesting from wild bee populations. Outcomes of this work include sustainable bee management recommendations for bee producers and early testing of two newly managed bee species for berry crop pollination.
Project objectives from proposal:
Research Objective 1: Develop strategies for farming Osmia ribifloris and O. bruneri to increase propagation while reducing extractive pressures on local bee populations.
Research Objective 2: Test the use of O. ribifloris and O. bruneri as managed pollinators at commercial berry farms.
Education Objective 1: Develop a community outreach program to both increase community member involvement in bee propagation strategies and community education about solitary bees.
Education Objective 2: Facilitate Farmer-to-Farmer educational outreach days to educate peers about the use of Osmia bees for crop pollination.
Education Objective 3: Create technical publications on the use of Osmia ribifloris and O. bruneri for crop pollination, and best management practices.
Education Objective 4: Create hands on video demonstrations of Osmia management techniques, available for free online.