Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Ecology And Economics Of Using Native Managed Bees For Almond Pollination, Insu Koh, Eric V. Lonsdorf, Derek R. Artz, Theresa L. Pitts-Singer, Taylor H. Ricketts

Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources Faculty Publications

Native managed bees can improve crop pollination, but a general framework for evaluating the associated economic costs and benefits has not been developed. We conducted a cost–benefit analysis to assess how managing blue orchard bees (Osmia lignaria Say [Hymenoptera: Megachildae]) alongside honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) can affect profits for almond growers in California. Specifically, we studied how adjusting three strategies can influence profits: (1) number of released O. lignaria bees, (2) density of artificial nest boxes, and (3) number of nest cavities (tubes) per box. We developed an ecological model for the effects of pollinator activity on …