As part of a project to improve blueberry pollination, a nationwide research team is trying to get a better understanding of how blueberry growers pollinate their fields, according to a news release from Washington State University. With funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, researchers from WSU, Oregon State University, Michigan State University and the University of Florida hope to better understand the current practices used on farms, including stocking rates and types of bees used. The team will also study the economics of pollination across the U.S.

In addition to conducting fieldwork at blueberry farms in Florida, Michigan, Oregon and Washington, the research team wants to learn about pollination practices from other blueberry farms across the nation. 

Whether the farm is 1 acre or 1,000 acres, a U-pick or large-scale commercial operation, all blueberry growers are encouraged to fill out the short survey linked here: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PqEOz2ETXI43Ns. The survey is based at WSU but has been designed to work across the U.S., according to the release. 

Survey respondents can provide their name and email address to be entered in a raffle for one of 12 $50 gift certificates. Winners will be announced at the end of the year, after the survey is completed.

—by Jonelle Mejica