1. A Survey of Apple Pollination Practices, Knowledge and Attitudes of Fruit Growers in Pennsylvania
Neelendra K. Joshi1 2, David Biddinger1 and Edwin G. Rajotte2
1 Entomology, Penn State - Fruit Research & Extension Center, PA; 2 Department of Entomology, Penn State University, PA
Introduction
Pollination is important in apple production system.
There are several species of insects that help in pollination in apples.
In the recent past, populations of honey bee have been significantly decreased due to colony collapse disorder (CCD).
Native/Alternative pollinators such as orchard mason bees (e.g., blue orchard mason bee/the Japanese orchard bee) could be important in apple pollination in Pennsylvania.
This survey was conducted with the main objective to collect information related to apple growers’ pollinators uses, pesticide/pest management practices and consideration for the use of alternative pollinators in apple production system in Pennsylvania.
Survey Methodology Demographics of Survey Respondents
Survey Sites: Apple growing regions of Pennsylvania.
Survey Questionnaire: A survey questionnaire with 25 questions was distributed to apple growers during Fall 2010 to determine apple growers pollinator and pest management practices, knowledge and attitudes.
Survey Questionnaire Distribution and Collection: Questionnaires distributed during meetings/field days. The questionnaire was also made available online. A total of 73 growers responded to this survey.
Survey Analysis: Analysis was performed using R software.
Proportion of growers’ responses
(top 9 counties)
Average acres under apple cultivation = 96.57
Adams
26.03 %
Lancaster
24.67 %
York
8.22 %
Bedford
4.12 %
Berks
Blair
2.74 %
Lehigh
Northampton
Snyder
Average number of apple varieties grown = 16
Fig. 1- Proportion of survey respondents from each state.
Fig. 3- Proportion of apple growers that also grow vegetable crops. NR = No Response
Total number of counties responded to this survey = 25
Fig. 2- Proportion of apple growers that also grow stones fruit (i.e., cherry, peach,
nectarines and plums). NR = No Response
Results (A) Pollinators Use (B) Pest Management Practices (C) Attitudes about Alternative Pollinators
Apple growers estimates that an average of 36 native bee species visit apple blossoms in Pennsylvania.
Fig. 4- Primary habitat surrounding apple orchards.
Fig. 7- Proportion of growers that consider the impact on pollinators if/when insecticide treatments are used.
Fig. 10- Proportion of growers that consider native bees as valuable pollinators in apple orchards.
Average number of hives (honey bees) used on a per acre basis = 1.87
Fig. 15- Proportion of growers that have experienced poor fruit set because of
a shortage of native or managed bees.
Fig. 4- Proportion of growers that rent honey bees for apple pollination.
Fig. 13- Proportion of growers that have used commercially available orchard mason
bees (e.g., blue orchard mason bee or the Japanese orchard bee) for apple pollination.
Average cost of a hive during 2010 = $59.29
Fig. 16- Proportion of growers indicating awareness of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service cost share for pollinator habitat creation and maintenance.
Fig. 8- Proportion of growers that would consider adopting (low-cost) land management practices that would increase the diversity and abundance of native bees in and around farm.
Fig. 11- Proportion of growers indicating that alternative managed apple pollinators such as orchard mason bees (genus Osmia) can be important in PA apple orchards.
Fig. 5- Proportion of growers that consider honey bee Colonies as a
major expense.
Growers considered that an average of % of apple pollination on their farm is being provided by bees other than honey bees
Fig. 14- Proportion of growers that have considered relying entirely on the natural occurring native bees for pollination of apples.
Fig. 17- Proportion of growers indicating
some part of their apple crop is enrolled
in NRCS pollinator habitat program.
Fig. 12- Proportion of growers that have used
commercially available bumble bees for
apple pollination.
Fig. 9- Proportion of growers under different pest management practices in apple orchards.
Fig. 6- Proportion of growers that consider recent declines in honey bee populations is a threat to successful apple production.
Conclusions
Most of the surveyed growers (~ 50 %) do not rent honey bee hives for apple pollination .
Apple growers considered that the alternative /native pollinators provide on an average ~ 50 % of pollination, and consider them as valuable pollinators in apple orchards.
Majority of apple growers (~ 79.5%) follow integrated pest management practices in their apple orchards.
Most of the growers have not used commercially available orchard mason bees or bumble bees for apple pollination.
Initial survey questions were adapted from a Cornell University Survey by Mia Park