Select pest-resistant varieties of blueberries These models can help growers optimize application timing and potentially reduce the need for a follow-up spray. Models exist for fruitworm pests and gall wasps.
Growers can use degree day models through Michigan State University Enviorweather. Growers may be able to skip or delay pesticide applications for fruitworms and gall wasps by weekly scouting and considering the risk in each field. Many growers already use scouting as part of their integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
Help bees by reducing pesticide exposureīlueberry growers may consider including the following actions to develop their own farm-specific pollinator stewardship plan: Scout for pests For example, the Almond Board of California released Honey Bee Best Management Practices for California Almonds, which provides a more comprehensive view of this topic. Other farming industries that depend on pollination are also making recommendations to support bee health. Using this guide, blueberry growers can devise a plan to support bee health and ease the stress bees face while pollinating. Some beekeepers have stopped pollinating blueberries because they do not think that the amount of money they would earn offsets the cost of unhealthy colonies. Pollination is a mutually beneficial relationship where bees gather nectar or pollen and the blossoms get pollinated.īlueberry growers should be aware that blueberry pollination can be hard on honey bees because a bacterial disease that affects developing bees (European foulbrood) is often prevalent among colonies in blueberry pollination. Bees collect pollen and nectar from blueberry blossoms and move pollen from flower to flower as they visit. Growers are in a unique position to help pollinators because of the amount of land they manage and can make a big difference by reducing or mitigating the harmful effects of pesticides on pollinators and increasing flowering plants on their land.īees provide pollination to many crops, including blueberries which depend on pollination to produce large berries. This Pollinator Stewardship Guide can help blueberry growers support pollinators on their farms and demonstrate the steps they are taking to help. Many growers understand that bees are facing health issues and are willing to help. Growers can play a role in supporting pollinator health on their farms. Bees often face these challenges at the same time, which can make it difficult for them to thrive. Honey bee pollinating a blueberry blossom Benefits of adopting a pollinator stewardship planīees face many issues that affect their health, including parasites, diseases, lack of forage, and pesticide exposure. Communicate with your beekeeper about bee health and pesticide.
Learn about bees and share what you know.Support bee health by establishing bee foraging plantings on your farm.Minimize the use of insecticides and fungicides during bloom.Use integrated pest management strategies to reduce pesticide exposure to bees.Spanish version: Guia del Cuidado de Polinizadores de Arándano Key recommendations for protecting your investment in pollination
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