TB148: Alternative Forage Plants for Native (Wild) Bees Associated with Lowbush Blueberry, Vaccinium spp., in Maine

Abstract

To determine potentially suitable alternative food sources for important native bee pollinators of blueberry, the primary objectives of the present research were (1) to compile the published North American nectar, pollen, and flower records; (2) to analyze the pollen loads of native bees associated with Vaccinium spp. in Maine; and (3) to survey distribution and abundance patterns of native bee populations in Maine blueberry fields.