Title: Native Pollinators and their Association with Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Production in Ohio Roger N. Williams, Roger A. Downer and Dan S. Fickle, Dept. of Entomology, OARDC/OSU, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691

Key words: Hymenoptera, pollination, native bees

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to collect voucher specimens of native pollinators for identification and to document their associated hosts and frequency of pollination visits to available host crops. Observations of pollinators visiting blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pickles, melons, multi-floral rose, American holly, morning glory, hawkweed and goldenrod were made from May to September 2006. From representative samples there were 4 families, 11 genera and 16 species of bees identified. Other species will be added to this list. The data obtained from this study demonstrates the role native bee’s play in the pollination of important agricultural crops and emphasizes the importance of understanding how it relates to food production and propagation of plant species. It also demonstrates the need for growers to examine their pest management practices and assess how they might be affecting non-target organisms such as native bees.