25 - 



CONCLUSIONS 



Research has shown that bees are i ndi spens ib le for blueberry pollina- 

 tion, highly desirable for strawberry pollination, and contribute (with 

 wind) to blacl<berry pollination. The importance of bees as pollinators can- 

 not be overemphasized and should not be taken for granted. Growers should 

 do all in their power to conserve native populations of bees. Steps in con- 

 servation should include care in not destroying nesting areas and not using 

 toxic pesticides when bees are active in the field. Fruit growers should 

 monitor native bee populations, and if inadequate for pollination, provide 

 colonies of honeybees to ensure complete pollination of their fruit crops. 



Reprinted from The Ohio Fruit Journal, Spring 1985. 



