SUPPLEMENTAL SUGAR FEEDING STUDY

In 2016 and 2017, we assessed the impact of supplemental sugar feeding on honeybee fidelity to cranberry in commercial settings.  More specifically, we sought to investigate which commonly utilized source of supplemental sugar feeding (fructose, sucrose, and honey) may lead to an increase in honey bee visitation to cranberry flowers which are poor in nectar content.  This information can be vital to growers which spend approximately $140 to $210 per acre on rented hives.  The results of this study are still being analyzed and will be released soon!

 FUNGICIDE STUDY

In 2016 and 2017, we also assessed the effect of different fungicides commonly used on cranberry marshes during bloom on the foraging behavior of honeybees.  We worked in over 17 marshes to see whether the percentage of cranberry pollen brought back to the hive changes after an application.   The results of this study can be found here 

LANDSCAPE COMPOSITION AND HIVE PLACEMENT STUDY 

In 2015, we determined the fidelity of honeybees to cranberry by assessing the effect hive placement and landscape variance on the vicinity of a marsh have on pollinator efficiency of the desired crop (cranberry).  You can read a synopsis of what we discovered here.