Pollinator stewardship during fruit crop bloom

By Andi Anderson

As fruit crops prepare to bloom and welcome the buzzing of bees, it's crucial for growers to prioritize pollinator stewardship to ensure abundant yields and high-quality produce. Whether relying on rented honey bee hives or wild bee populations for pollination, protecting these vital insects is paramount.

A key concern during bloom season is pesticide exposure, which can pose significant risks to bee health. While pesticides are valuable for managing crop pests, their use requires careful attention to minimize harm to pollinators. Following pesticide labels is essential, as they contain vital information on pollinator protection measures.

Insecticides are particularly toxic to bees and are often restricted during crop bloom to mitigate risks. Fungicides, though less acutely toxic, can still affect bee behavior and longevity. Herbicides, while posing little direct threat, can indirectly harm bees by reducing their access to food sources.

Mixing different pesticides can compound risks, as some combinations may become more toxic to bees. Various routes of exposure, including direct spray, contaminated plants, drift, and contaminated pollen or nectar, highlight the multifaceted nature of pesticide risks to pollinators.

To protect pollinators during bloom, growers should aim to minimize pesticide applications and adopt integrated pest management strategies. Timing sprays when bees are inactive, using liquid formulations, and employing drift reduction practices are effective measures. Removing flowering weeds within crop rows can also reduce pesticide exposure.

Effective communication with beekeepers, especially when renting hives, is crucial for coordinating pollinator protection efforts. Developing pollination contracts and utilizing resources like the Bee Precaution Pesticide Ratings tool can enhance collaboration and minimize risks.

Michigan State University Extension offers valuable resources for pollinator protection, including guidance on pesticide risks and crop-specific recommendations. Growers can also enroll in online courses to deepen their understanding of pollinator stewardship.

Beyond pesticide management, enhancing bee habitat with non-crop flowering plants can provide crucial refuges for wild bees. Planting wildflowers supports bee health by offering chemical-free food and nesting habitat, potentially boosting pollinator abundance and fruit quality during bloom.

By adopting these practices, fruit growers can play a vital role in safeguarding pollinators and ensuring sustainable agriculture for future generations.

Photo Credit: pexels-aiselin82