Landscape-level honey bee hive density, instead of field-level hive density, enhances honey bee visitation in blueberry

• DOI: 10.1007/s10980-022-01562-1
• Publication Date: 2022-12-03T10:02:41Z
• Authors: Maxime Eeraerts; Emma Rogers; Bob Gillespie; Lincoln Best; Olivia M. Smith; Lisa W. DeVetter
• Keywords: Apiary

Abstract Context To date, managing honey bees and wild within crop fields remains challenging. Landscape structure is often overlooked when studying the pollination contribution of bees. Increasing our understanding on how to predict bee visitation in crops crucial for sustainable management agroecosystems. Objectives With this study we investigated which landscape field-level variables determine visitation, whether or influence pollination. Methods Sixteen highbush blueberry were surveyed bees, Washington, USA. Additionally, a radius 1000 m around each field all hives located surrounding was characterized. Results Honey hive numbers positively correlate with proportion landscape. best predicted by landscape-level density m, whereas semi-natural habitat did not impact visitation. The amount had positive negative impact, respectively, effect seed set. Conclusion We conclude that determined number Hence, recommendations miss contributions from other Furthermore, contributes diversifying pollinator diets provides habitat.