Pollination is an important aspect of highbush blueberry production, and is essential for high yields. This talk will review how blueberries are pollinated by bees, how some cultivars are more sensitive than others to pollination by bees, and how different types of bees can be used for pollination of this crop. Results from four regions of North America will be contrasted showing the relative roles of honey bees, wild bees, and alternative managed pollinators. To watch the recorded webinar click on the link at the upper right-hand corner of this page.
Presenter bio:
Rufus Isaacs is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University. He holds a Ph.D from the University of London, UK, and has been studying fruit crop entomology in Michigan for almost 20 years. Rufus leads a research program that explores insects of economic significance to berry crop growers, including pest insects and pollinators. Over the past decade, he has investigated wild bee contributions to blueberry pollination, conservation of bees on blueberry farms, and the impacts of pesticides on the wild bee communities that are active in these farms. His lab has led the blueberry research component of the Integrated Crop Pollination project over the past five years.
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