Horticulture Research Station

Floral Provisioning for Wild Bee Pollinators in Winter Squash and Muskmelon

Authors: Mary Sue Alesch (Iowa State University) , Mark L. Gleason (Iowa State University)

Abstract

When we talk about pollination, the image that comes to mind most frequently is the honeybee. Honeybees do provide the majority of pollination services in our current agricultural system. However, there are wild bees pollinating flowering crops at the same time and these bees are capable of providing a significant portion of the pollination services required of many crops. In fact, in some instances, wild bees may be better pollinators than managed honeybees.

Keywords: Plant Pathology and Microbiology, RFR A1059

How to Cite: Alesch, M. S. & Gleason, M. L. (2011) “Floral Provisioning for Wild Bee Pollinators in Winter Squash and Muskmelon”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2010(1).