Innovation in Pollination
Ian Collinson Thai (Elgrabli) Sade Tashia Tucker Greg Estes

While blueberries are mostly self-fertilizing, fruit set can be significantly enhanced by pollinators, specifically bumblebees and honey bees. However, growers are increasingly challenged by declining European Honey bee populations and the subsequent lack of adequate pollination. In fact, since 2006, nearly one third of all honey bees in the United States have disappeared. The blueberry industry is not only committed to reversing this trend through investment in natural pollinator conservation, but also new technologies that provide cost-effective alternative solutions.

8:10 AM - 9:30 AM (PDT)