Surviving the summer dearth: Managed and wild bees utilize soybeans during a resource poor season

Authors: Werle, Christopher; Adamczyk, John

Submitted to: Subtropical Agriculture and Environments
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/11/2023
Publication Date: 1/12/2024
Citation: Werle, C.T., Adamczyk Jr, J.J. 2024. Surviving the summer dearth: Managed and wild bees utilize soybeans during a resource poor season. Subtropical Agriculture and Environments. 74:32-39.

Interpretive Summary: Bee populations are declining, and inadequate forage in late summer can lead to winter losses. We tested three trap types and colors for monitoring bee populations in soybeans during late summer in 2018 and 2019. More bees were collected from blue or white traps compared with green, and vane traps collected the most bees. In addition to honey bees, bumblebees, sweat bees and other groups such as Melissodes were collected abundantly from our soybean plots. In years and locations where late-season wild forage is less available, soybeans may provide a helpful resource for pollinators to survive the winter.

Technical Abstract: Bee declines are being driven by a combination of factors, and some potential responses we can take include establishment of wildflower habitats among croplands and provision of late-season forage when resources are becoming scarce. We tested three trap types and three trap colors for monitoring pollinators in soybean plots during late summer in 2018 and 2019, using nine cultivars of soybeans, two with extended juvenile characteristics. More bees were collected from blue or white traps compared with green, and vane traps were the most effective type. Aside from honey bees, wild bees such as bumblebees, sweat bees and Melissodes were collected abundantly. Particularly in years when late-season wild forage is less available, soybean cultivars such as Otono and Vernal may provide a valuable pollinator resource.