310 - Helping Orchard Pollination with Habitat & Aids | PolliNation

Guest Mario Lupino joins host Andony Melathopoulos to discuss his PhD research on wildflower plantings in commercial apple orchards and a multi-year study testing pollinator attractant products. Learn how dedicating just 3–5% of orchard margins to native flowers can support nearly 100 of Washington's 600 native bee species — and whether commercial attractant sprays actually work. Key Topics Covered: How Xerces Society and Pollinator Partnership help growers establish wildflower strips along field margins, ditches, and irrigation ponds Why only 3–5% of orchard landscape needs to be dedicated to plantings — with no loss of production area Findings that ~80% of bees were found in wildflower plantings just 1–3 feet wide running the orchard length ~100 native bee species discovered in orchard plantings (roughly 1/6 of Washington's 600 native species) Whether wildflower strips distract honeybees from fruit blossoms during peak bloom A 4-year study of commercial pollinator attractant products (pheromone sprays and hanging dispensers) in apple and pear orchards Results showing no significant difference in bee visitation or fruit quality between treated and untreated trees A marginal benefit to apple seed set in treated blocks, potentially correlating to sweeter fruit Why backyard growers should skip attractants and just plant more flowers Resources & Organizations Mentioned: Xerces Society (xerces.org) — designs and implements pollinator habitat plantings; seeds may be available free Pollinator Partnership (pollinator.org) — West Coast group assisting with wildflower seed mixes and planting design NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) — partner biologists available to help growers establish habitat Wildflower planting options include perennial low-growing flowers, shrubs, and tree-based designs