Best use practices of managing commercialized colonies of Bombus impatiens on strawberry, watermelon, and pickling cucumber crops in Delaware

In light of recent declines of honey bee populations, research has refocused attention on alternative pollinators and their potential to fulfill pollination services within economically important agricultural crops. Although the commercial production of bumble bee pollination units in the United States has increased growers' interests in this native pollinator, the specific need for the development of management strategies to improve pollinator effectiveness persists.

This study looks at the native Delaware bumble bee species Bombus impatiens, on crop pollination throughout farms in Southern Delaware. We will determine the best placement of colonies to optimize colony fecundity and fruit set/crop yield on strawberries, watermelon, and pickling cucumbers. Variables measured will include the placement of colonies (shaded/non-shaded, buried/non-buried), pollen gathered, colony thermoregulation, and foraging rates. Ultimately, this research will create guidelines for growers on how to best keep Bombus impatiens as economic crop pollinators throughout a growing season.