Biology, Genetic Diversity, and Conservation of Wild Bees in Tree Fruit Orchards

Abstract

Different species of bees provide essential ecosystem services by pollinating various agricultural crops, including tree fruits. Many fruits and nuts depend on insect pollination, primarily by wild and managed bees. In different geographical regions where orchard crops are grown, fruit growers rely on wild bees in the farmscape and use orchard bees as alternative pollinators. Orchard crops such as apples, pears, plums, apricots, etc., are mass-flowering crops and attract many different bee species during their bloom period. Many bee species found in orchards emerge from overwintering as the fruit trees start flowering in spring, and the active duration of these bees aligns very closely with the blooming time of fruit trees. In addition, most of the bees in orchards are short-range foragers and tend to stay close to the fruit crops. However, the importance of orchard bee communities is not well understood, and many challenges in maintaining their populations remain. This comprehensive review paper summarizes the different types of bees commonly found in tree fruit orchards in the fruit-growing regions of the United States, their bio-ecology, and genetic diversity. Additionally, recommendations for the management of orchard bees, different strategies for protecting them from multiple stressors, and providing suitable on-farm nesting and floral resource habitats for propagation and conservation are discussed.

Toxicity and Risk of Biopesticides to Insect Pollinators in Urban and Agricultural Landscapes

“…For example, mason bees (Osmia spp.) are solitary pollinators prolifically found in orchards, are known to be more efficient pollinators in orchards compared to honey bees [184], and are exposed to the same levels of biopesticides as honey bees in orchards.…”

Characteristics of the composition of stingless bee bread with health benefits originating from the Kulisusu Subdistrict, North Buton Regency

“…Wind-pollinated plants usually produce larger amounts of pollen and are lighter in weight so they can be carried by the wind. Various plants provide pollen contributions that vary in size, shape, and color (Kline et al, 2022). These traits often play an important role in attracting certain pollinators, such as bees or hummingbirds.…”

The Effect of Irrigation and Fertilization on the Qualitative Indices of the Planting Material, for Some Plum Species, with the Aim of Obtaining a Sustainable Fruit Trees Production, in the Pedo-Climatic Conditions of Romania

“…Plants respond differently to the action of stress factors depending on the characteristics of the species, variety, etc., from this point of view there are species or varieties resistant or sensitive to the action of a stress factor [20]. Long dry periods, the reduction of river flow, the level of lakes and the lowering of the water table have important economic consequences, including in the field of agriculture [21]. Precipitation provides the water needed for agricultural crops on more than 80% of the globe's surface, but much of this surface is exposed to drought stress [22].…”