ARS | Publication request: EXOTIC NON-SOCIAL BEES (HYMENOPTERA: APOIDEA) IN NORTH AMERICA: ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

Submitted to: Thomas Say Publications in Entomology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: March 1, 2003
Publication Date: January 2, 2003
Citation: Cane, J.H. 2003. Exotic non-social bees (hymenoptera: apoidea) in north America: ecological implications. In:Strickler, K., Cane, J.H.,editors. For nonnative crops, whence pollinator for the future? Lanham, MD. Thomas Say Publications in Entomology. p.113-126

Interpretive Summary: Most of North America's crops are of Old World origin; most are currently pollinated by the European honey bee. As managed and feral honey bees become ravaged by mites and disease, new pollinators are sought, but should they come from Old World sources or from our native fauna? Chapters in this book review case studies for currently managed bee pollinators, along with some evaluation of attendent ecological risks, implementation difficulties and agricultural benefits.

Technical Abstract: Old World Apis mellifera has prevailed as North America's crop pollinator, but populations and apiaries have lately been ravaged by mites and diseases. To begin charting a new course that diversifies our portfolio of managed pollinators, chapters of this book review the history of management for our few alternative agricultural pollinators, the risks and benefits attending non-native introductions, and improved methods for screening candidate species.