Protecting pollinators

Source: Lee Townsend, extension entomologist

Insects pollinate a large percentage of food crops grown in the U.S. and all over the world. Many different species of pollinators exist, but the insect best equipped for this job is the honey bee. Honey bees are exceptionally efficient at collecting and transferring pollen among the flowers of a particular crop. In a practice known as “flower fidelity” groups of foraging bees will visit just one type of flower, collecting and storing pollen in baskets located on their legs. As the bees fly from flower to flower, pollen particles are transformed between male and female parts triggering the plant’s reproduction cycle which results in a fruit or vegetable that may eventually find its way to a dinner table.

A growing concern for U.S. agricultural producers is the continuing decline of honey bee populations. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the number of colonies in Kentucky has dropped dramatically over the last century from 152,900 in 1909 to just 5,000 in 2009.

Many studies are underway to try to pinpoint the cause for this decline, and so far several factors have emerged as detrimental to honey bee health. One of these involves the use of pesticides and insecticides which can produce harmful effects in other pollinators, too.

Approximately 4,000 species of native or wild bees assist the honey bee in making a large contribution to the pollination task. They include everything from large bumblebees to tiny sweat bees. There are miner bees, carpenter bees, mason bees, plaster bees and orchard bees — all named for the types of nests they build. Butterflies and some flies also pollinate certain plants.

You can help promote and protect insect pollinators by following a few simple rules. Never spray plants with insecticides when the plants are actively blooming. If chemical applications are necessary, strive for infrequent use and choose selective products with minimal impact on natural resources, especially bees.

Promote pollinators and invite them into your environment by planting a diverse landscape with flowers, trees and other greenery that bloom in succession from spring into fall.

For more information about insects found in your landscape and garden, contact the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Service at 606-387-5404.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Twin Lakes Beekeepers to meet

The Twin Lakes Beekeepers Association will host State Apiarist Dr. Tammy Horn at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Office.

Dr. Horn is the author of “Bees in America: How the Honey Bee Shaped a Nation” and “Beeconomy: What Women and Bees Can Teach Us About Local Trade and Global Markets.”

Dr. Horn will be speaking to the group on beekeeping in Kentucky; anyone interested in beekeeping is invited to attend. For more information please call the Extension office at 606-387-5404.