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Development and management of adequate pollinators for yield optimization and quality assurance in the straw- and blueberry cultivation
Project
Project code: 2803OE126
Contract period: 01.03.2004
- 06.09.2010
Budget: 150,879 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
The aim of the project was to find adequate pollinators (Apoidea) in ecological berry production (strawberry and high bush blueberries) to optimize the crop yield and quality assurance. Two different approaches were used to meet practical challenges:
1.) the introduction of solitary bees, bumble bees and honey bees from managed stock into the berry orchard (= pollinator-management),
2.) fostering the local indigenous population of wild bees by optimizing their needs (food and habitats) near the orchard fields (= landscape-management).
The results of the investigations in both topics (pollinator- and landscape management) can be summarized as follows:
In strawberry and high bush blueberries cultures the direct pollination service is essential. Honey bees are most appropriate. Bumble bees and European Mason Bee are additional options. Measures to foster the local indigenous population of wild bees are also necessary. Only a combination of both approaches will help to overcome a reduced number of honey bee colonies available during the blooming of the crop. It will also help to equalize fluctuations of natural pollinator populations - all in all to assure the pollination needs.
In order to foster the local indigenous population of wild bees, it is essential to provide blooming of different plants and providing nesting habitats during the whole active season of these bees.
In the project the berry farmers were sensitized for the necessity and the fundamental function of bees and their pollination service. It was obvious that existing steps towards a better landscape-management are expandable in most farms. Together with these berry farmers concrete improvement opportunities were discussed. These results are incorporated into a practice handbook.
Section overview
Subjects
- Arboriculture
- Wildlife Biology
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
