INTRODUCTION: FOR NON-NATIVE CROPS, WHENCE POLLINATORS OF THE FUTURE?

Authors: STRICKLER, KAREN - UOI, PARMA, ID; Cane, James

Submitted to: Thomas Say Publications in Entomology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2002
Publication Date: 2/1/2003
Citation: Strickler, K., Cane, J.H. 2003. Introduction. In: Strickler, K., Cane, J.H.,editors. For non-native crops, whence pollinators of the future?. Lanham, MD. Thomas Say Publications in Entomology. p.1-9.

Interpretive Summary: North America's crops and our primary agricultural pollinator, the honey bee, are both of Old World origin. Bee-keeping is beleagured by parasitic mites and diseases, however, revealing the risk of a single-pollinator portfolio. This chapter introduces a book that reviews experiences with development of alternative pollinators, and weighs the benefits and risks for introducing exotic bees for U.S.agriculture.

Technical Abstract: The risk of a single pollinator agricultural economy is revealed by the recent demise of honey bees and apiculture in North American agriculture. This chapter introduces a book whose chapters review lessons learned in developing alternative agriculture pollinators in North American- Osmia lignaria, Megachile rotundata, Nomia melanderi, Bobus spp. - and evaluate the ecological risks and benefits for introducing Old World pollinators.