Project Number: 5428-21000-010-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 01, 2003
End Date: Sep 30, 2008

Objective:
Objective 1. Deliver improved pollination management systems for alfalfa seed production using the alfalfa leafcutting bee and the alkali bee, and a new pollination management system for orchards using the blue orchard bee. Objective 2. Evaluate pollination efficacies of confined and free-flying populations of select new bee pollinators for small fruit crops and regional forbs in demand for re-vegetation, and develop practical management protocols to encourage adoption of the more promising species as custom pollinators. Objective 3. Develop novel control options and delivery systems for the management of chalkbrood, other diseases, parasites, and predators in commercial-scale pollinator populations. Objective 4. Enhance knowledge of native pollinators by conducting biological surveys, establishing monitoring programs, and expanding knowledge of bee systematics in agricultural and natural systems.

Approach:
Research is needed to increase the number of bee species used for agricultural pollination. This means improving existing alkali and alfalfa leafcutting bee management systems, delivering the blue orchard bee as a mainstream organic orchard pollinator, assessing the pollinating efficiencies of promising solitary bees for a variety of crops (particularly those not currently well-served by honey bees), and developing programs to maintain and augment the populations necessary to complement and supplement the pollination of crop and native plants. The overarching goal for the 60 months of research outlined in this Project Plan is improved profitability, for U.S. producers of agricultural crops that require cross-pollination, through the diversification of our agricultural pollinator portfolio. In order to achieve this goal, priority will be given to: 1) Delivering improved pollination management systems for alfalfa seed production using the alfalfa leafcutting bee and the alkali bee, and a new pollination management system for orchards using the blue orchard bee; 2) Evaluating pollination efficacies of confined and free-flying populations of select new bee pollinators for small fruit crops and forbs in demand for re-vegetation, and developing practical management protocols to encourage adoption of the more promising species as custom pollinators; 3) Developing novel control options and delivery systems for the management of chalkbrood, other diseases, parasites, and predators in commercial-scale pollinator populations; and, 4) Conducting biological surveys, establishing monitoring programs, and expanding current knowledge of bee systematics in natural and agricultural systems.