EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
The European Journal of Environmental Sciences offers a mixture of original peer-reviewed research papers, which bring you some of the most exciting developments in environmental sciences in the broadest sense, often with an inter- or trans-disciplinary perspective, focused on the European problems. The journal also includes critical reviews on topical issues, and overviews of the status of environmental protection in particular regions or countries. The journal covers a broad range of topics, including direct or indirect interactions between abiotic or biotic components of the environment, interactions of environment with human society, or environmental sustainability.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, Vol 12 No 1 (2022), 16–20

Breeding mason bees for the pollination of fruit orchards in Central Europe

Martin Šlachta, Alena Votavová, Tomáš Erban, Ondřej Cudlín, Pavel Cudlín

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14712/23361964.2022.2
published online: 26. 06. 2022

abstract

Solitary bees pollinate wild plants and crops. In the temperate zone, they mainly pollinate fruit trees. Most species nest in the soil, but mason bees nest in wooden cavities above ground. Their presence in orchards can be augmented by provision of artificial nesting sites. Two species of mason bees frequently use these artificial nesting opportunities in Central Europe. The red mason bee (Osmia bicornis) is the most common species in this region, which preferentially collects pollen from oak trees. The European orchard bee (Osmia cornuta) prefers pollen from fruit trees, but it is more thermophilic. Its spread to higher altitudes can be expected in response to climate change. A breeding technology based on detachable wooden nests is summarized in this paper based on a literature review and experimental experience in fruit orchards in Czechia.

keywords: artificial nesting sites; climate change; fruit orchards; mason bees; pollination

Creative Commons License
Breeding mason bees for the pollination of fruit orchards in Central Europe is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

210 x 297 mm
periodicity: 2 x per year
print price: 150 czk
ISSN: 1805-0174
E-ISSN: 2336-1964

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