- 6 - 
in mind, however, that for all that, bees are still the most effective 
pollen, carrie rs ..ther e are _ and tha t they are the only i ns ect that can 
be managed by the orchardist . 
Marshall, R. E., Johnston, Stanley, Hootman, H. D., and 7/ells, H. M. 
1929. Pollination of orchard fruits in Michigan. Mich. Agr. Expt. 
Sta. Spec. Bui. 188, 38 pp. 
p . 38 : The commercial fruit grower is almost entirely depend - 
ent on the common honey bee for the transfer of pollen from one varie - 
ty to another . 
There are not enough bees in many orchards to insure the setting 
of a full crop of fruit in years when weather conditions are not 
favorable for maximum insect activity at blooming time. 
REASONS FOR INADEQUACY OF WILD POLLINATING INSECTS 
Authorities universally admit the importance of wild insects in 
pollinating agricultural crops; yet no State or Federal organization is 
especially concerned with the conservation of beneficial insects. It is 
apparent, therefore, that the destruction of pollinating insects has not 
been fully recognized as the important cause of decreased seed and fruit 
production in many crops that are benefited by insect pollination. 
In considering the part played by wild pollinating insects, it should 
be borne in mind that most species, with the exception of bumblebees, are 
solitary insects and reproduce slowly, and since the females have to fly 
in search of food they are subjected to such hazards as weather, fast- 
moving automobiles, natural enemies, etc. Many of the solitary bees are 
ground-nesting and are consequently easily destroyed in areas where agri- 
cultural practices demand frequent cultivation of the soil. 
Certain species of flies, beetles, and other insects effect pollina- 
tion but are considered of minor importance. 
Megee, C. R., and Kelty, R. M. 
1932. The influence of bees upon clover and alfalfa seed production. 
Mich. Agr. Expt. Sta. Quart. Bui. 14: 271-277. 
p. 271: It is common observation that along with the decrease 
in the numbers of bumble bees and other wild bees there has been a 
decrease in the production of clover seed. 
p. 277: Bumble bees are effective pollinating agents, but, due 
to their relative scarcity in the clover and alfalfa seed producing 
districts of northern Michigan cannot be depended on for pollination 
purposes. 
