A comparative study of pollinator diversity among perennial irrigated crops and adjacent habitats in eastern Washington

In 2014 we conducted surveys designed to compare bee abundance and diversity in vineyards, blueberries, and hops with “less managed” nearby sites that contained flowering plants and a water source. Bee pollinators were collected, identified and quantified by site to determine their actual presence, abundance, and diversity. There was a greater diversity of bees in the “less managed” habitats compared to the agricultural sites, which met our expectations. Grapes and hops are wind pollinated and therefore, we did not expect to find any bees. We conclude that there are few incentives for bees to forage in vineyards and hops. This study is motivated by grower concern over pollinator decline, and the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in important agricultural crops in central Washington. Building upon this we will develop mitigation strategies that will prevent inadvertent bee kills in vineyards, hops and blueberry fields.