The Effects of Tillage on Pollinator Activity in Cucurbit Growing Systems

Pollination is vitally important to the reproduction of cucurbit plants. When cucurbit flowers are not completely pollinated, fruit set and production is negatively affected. Fruit’s can abort, become misshapen, prematurely ripen, and become susceptible to rot and disease (Baxendale and Hodges, 2007). In our study we looked at the effect of two tillage systems on pollinators in organic and conventional growing systems in Kentucky. Both conventional tillage with black plastic mulch and strip tillage systems were assessed for pollinator activity throughout the 2013 growing season.

Baxendale, F.. L.Hodges., 2007. Bee pollination of cucurbit crops.NebGuide, University od Nebraska, Lincoln. G1754. <http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/pages/publicationD.jsp?publicationId=845>