Bee power

Michigan researchers, following two years of study, continue to be encouraged by the potential of a new bee for tree fruit pollination. The hornfaced bee (Osmia cornifrons) was originally studied as a potential pollinator for Balaton cherries to see if fruit set could be increased. Balaton, a sweet tart cherry, has suffered from poor yields, particularly during years with cool, wet springs. “We started with Balaton,” said Dr. Nikki Rothwell, coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station in Traverse City. “Now we’re looking at other crops like apples.” Rothwell reported on research results during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, […]