Solitary bees reduce pollination and production deficits in apple cultivation
Vassvik, L.
It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing. To link to this item DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2025.109670 Abstract/SummaryLow pollinator richness and abundance is a primary driver of pollination deficits and may lead to reduced yields (production deficits). In response, domesticated honeybees are often used to increase pollination success, even though honeybees are less efficient pollinators than naturally occurring wild bees. Here, we explored whether Norwegian apple orchards experience pollination and production deficits, and if such deficits could be related to specific pollinator groups and activity. We conducted a supplemental pollination experiment and measured seed set and yield (fruit set x weight) for three cultivars, in six orchards, in two distinct apple growing regions in central Norway, for two years. In addition, we used cameras to record relative pollinator activity throughout the flowering period. Overall, we found a pollination and production deficit across all cultivars, although there were differences in pollination deficit among cultivars. Three orchards had a pollination deficit both years of the study, suggesting sub-optimal orchard structure and/or a lack of pollinators. However, we found that solitary bees significantly reduced both pollination and production deficit, suggesting that orchard management actions should focus on increasing wild bee diversity and abundance.
Download Statistics DownloadsDownloads per month over past year Altmetric Deposit Details University Staff: Request a correction | Centaur Editors: Update this record |