Progress 10/31/16 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Through this project, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bee Lab has provided research-based recommendations that promote honey bee health and biodiversity of wild bees in agroecosystems through active engagement with stakeholders (i.e. beekeepers, farmers, and land managers) and other interested parties (i.e. crop consultants and not-for-profit agencies). Between 2017 - 2020, we provided 20 beekeeping workshops in 10 cities across Nebraska which reached850beekeepersfrom Scottsbluff (Scotts Bluff County) to Lincoln (Lancaster County). Course participants also included people from neighboring states Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Missouri. These courses included 16 introductory level classes (Year 1 and Year 2 Beekeeping) to 635 new or aspiring beekeepers to educate about basic honey bee management and IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases.The other 4 courses focused on advanced topics (Queen rearing & Pest and Pathogen Diagnostics) and reached ~84 beekeepers. Through this research project, stakeholder needs were identified, and advanced courses were developed tospecificallyaddress these emerging needs. Advanced courses were also targeted to help beekeepers with 5+ years of experience develop their skills so that they may expand their operations in new directions, such as queen rearing and value-added products.Workshop evaluations across introductory and advanced coursed revealed that 50 to 100% of participants increased their knowledge and training comprehension, and 80% were responded "Completely Likely" to apply Land Stewardship Practices (including agricultural and apicultural IPM practices) discussed in the courses.Additionally, PIs, students, and staff have provided numerous formal student lectures aninformal youth education.PI Wu-Smart delivered over 67 presentations between 2017 and 2020, reaching over 3826 people, including beekeepers, farmers, landowners, policy makers, and the general public. Of the 62 presentations, roughly 64% (43) covered honey bee or wild bee research, including the results from this project and management recommendations for mitigating pesticide exposure for beekeepers. The other talks presented information on honey bee and land management practices, from basic and advanced beekeeping to pollinator-friendly integrated pest management in apicultural and agricultural settings.Over 93% (62) of these talks were invited and 55% (37) were presentedin-personin another state emphasizing the impact our program is having within and beyond Nebraska. Regional conferences were in 16 states (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IA, IL, KS, MI, MO, NC, NE, OH, OR SD, TX) and local conferences covered roughly a 12 Nebraska cities and numerous presentations delivered virtually. Additionally, we are working toward broader national and international reach and have had four invited presentations at national beekeeper meetings and two at an international conference (3rdAustralian Bee Congress). Fifty-three presentations (or 79%) were delivered at local, regional, and national beekeeping association conferences;11 (16%) were given to other stakeholder groups, including farmers (CA Almond Board, NE Pesticide Certification Training), public health officials (NE Dept of Agriculture Inspectors State Conference, NE Environmental Health Association Conference), and other non-profit or conservation groups (Americorps Learning Series, US Fish and Wildlife National Conference). Over the project period, 34 commercial beekeepers managing honey bees for pollination, honey production, and or queen rearing collaborated with UNL Bee Lab and participated in aspects of this project. These beekeepers represent over 8,250 colonies across 16 different counties in NE and the hive health information collected from these apiaries will be utilized as part of the overall NE state information submitted to the National APHIS Honey Bee Health Survey Program. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Between 2017 through 2020, the UNL Bee Lab provided 20 Beekeeping workshops in 10 cities across Nebraska which reached 850 beekeepers from Scottsbluff (Scotts Bluff County) to Lincoln (Lancaster County). Course participants also included people from neighboring states Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Missouri. These courses included 13 introductory level classes (Year 1 and Year 2 Beekeeping) to 635 new or aspiring beekeepers to educate about basic honey bee management and IPM strategies for honey bee pests and diseases. Additional advanced courses (Queen rearing, Pest and Pathogen Diagnostics) was offered to a small group (~120 beekeepers). The advanced courses are designed to help beekeepers with 5+ years of experience expand their skills so that they may expand their businesses and operations in new directions. Workshop evaluations revealed a 50-100% of participants increased their knowledge and training comprehension, and 80% were responded "Completely Likely" to apply Land Stewardship Practices (including agricultural and apicultural IPM practices) discussed in the courses. All workshops and presentations were conducted with the assistance of over 5 graduate and 7 undergraduate students that have worked within the lab over the past 3 years. Student provide technical support as well as present research and bee managementlectures, as well as develop field training activitiesand outreach programs. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?PI Wu-Smart delivered over 67 presentations between 2017 and 2020, reaching over 3826 people, including beekeepers, farmers, landowners, policy makers, and the general public. Of the 62 presentations, roughly 64% (43) covered honey bee or wild bee research, including the results from this project and management recommendations for mitigating pesticide exposure for beekeepers. The other talks presented information on honey bee and land management practices, from basic and advanced beekeeping to pollinator-friendly integrated pest management in apicultural and agricultural settings. Over 93% (62) of these talks were invited and 55% (37) were presented in-person in another state emphasizing the impact our program is having within and beyond Nebraska. Regional conferences were in 16 states (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IA, IL, KS, MI, MO, NC, NE, OH, OR SD, TX) and local conferences covered roughly a 12 Nebraska cities and numerous presentations delivered virtually. Additionally, we are working toward broader national and international reach and have had four invited presentations at national beekeeper meetings and two at an international conference (3rd Australian Bee Congress). Fifty-three presentations (or 79%) were delivered at local, regional, and national beekeeping association conferences; 11 (16%) were given to other stakeholder groups, including farmers (CA Almond Board, NE Pesticide Certification Training), public health officials (NE Dept of Agriculture Inspectors State Conference, NE Environmental Health Association Conference), and other non-profit or conservation groups (Americorps Learning Series, US Fish and Wildlife National Conference). The information and educational materials developed through this project will continue to be disseminated and untilized long-term through theRegional Great Plains Master Beekeepers Training Program (GPMB) and through the The IPM4Bees Midwest Working Group. Collaborations have created opportunities to address challenges at a regional scale, leveraging more diverse expertise, experiences, and perspectives. The IPM4Bees Working Group is such an example. Dr. Judy Wu-Smart (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Dr. Matthew O'Neal and Extension Educator Randall Cass (Iowa State University) received funding through North Central IPM Center (USDA NIFA #2018-70006-28883) to form the IPM4Bees Working Group to foster learning, collaboration, and information/resource sharing among researchers, extension professionals, and other stakeholders that work in honey bees, native bees, and bee-related integrated pest management (IPM).GPMB is another program we began in April 2019 (fund by USDA NIFA # 2018-70017-28546). The main goal of a regional beekeeping training program is to provide science-based training opportunities to beekeeping farmers that will improve the health and productivity of honey bees and thus sustain and promote new beekeeping farmer businesses. Educational materials: Through this project, we proposed to work with farmers on more pollinator-friendly practices and found that we really needed to also engage crop consultants and pesticide applicators in this discussion. Therefore, we formed valuable working relationships to produce learning modules that promote pollinator protection in agricultural cropping systems, specifically regarding pesticides and unintended exposure to bees. As a result, we produced a pesticide training module that meets continuing education unit (CEU) requirements. "Protecting Honey Bees in Productive Agriculture: A module for crop consultants, advisors, and applicators. "https://unl.box.com/s/ql8kiemd8jrbik0j701lxxlcjbakpmew: This was a collaborative effort sponsored and reviewed by the Honey Bee Health Coalition and co-led (with D. Golick) (https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/about-the-coalition/) which consists of beekeepers, researchers, IPM professionals, non-profit organizations, government agencies and industry partners. PIs- Wu-Smart and Golick piloted the module at the National and State Specific Independent Crop Consultant meetings in NE (Mid-Winter Conference), WI, and CA (February 2018). In the module, we provide best management guidelines for growers and beekeepers and used our research plots as an example of how placement of hives may mitigate bee decline. Participants provided feedback on the pesticide presentations through a survey. The participants agreed that the workshop was worth their time M = 4.15 (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). They also agreed that they would recommend the workshop to pesticide applicators or farmers M =4.5. Most participants agreed that they learned something new about pollinator protection, M = 3.8. Finally, 100% of participants were able to list at least one correct honey bee pesticide protection strategy presented in the honey bee protection training session. Training for landowners & managers: PI- Wu-Smart collaborated with NE Extension Educators and several partners to deliver 6 short courses including: The Xerces Society: "Farming with Beneficial Insects: Conservation Biocontrol short course" (50 participants-March 2017) which used our research site as a demonstration site; Bee and Butterfly Habitat: "Pollinator Habitat Installations " (20-participants October 2019) The Nature Conservancy: Staff Enrichment workshop: "Beekeeping and keeping bees healthy" (An introductory hands-on course on pollinator habitats and managed and wild bees challenges and needs). This is the TNC's national professional development training retreat in Nebraska City, NE and our sessions (80 participants per session) are also booked up and is such high demand we have been invited back each year and now invited to deliver these twice a year- June 2017, June 2018, June and Oct of 2019, and May and Oct of 2020 (delivered virtually due to covid-19 restrictions) The information on pollinators and forage legume cover crops has been shared in a seminarto the Agronomy Department and was presented to a general farm audience at the Crop Production Clinics in January of 2019 and at the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society meeting in February 2019 by coPI Koehler-Cole. These talks help raise awareness among farmers of how neonicotinoids and pollen drift impact pollinator populations, and how forage legume cover crops, windbreaks and native flower plantings can be beneficial to those populations. Information on drift barrier and establishment was shared with 4th graders (n = 112) at York, Nebraska Elementary Schools in 2019 as a part of a pollinator education and establishment. We also worked with the local Pheasant Forever Chapter to establish woody plants and trees adjacent to soybean and corn fields in a pollinator garden. More work was to continue in 2020, however, COVID has delayed additional work until 2021. Additionally, the Golick team will take recommendations from the Pesticide Drift Barrier Survey and work with US. Forest Service partners to develop a digital publication BMPs and incentives for establishing drift barriers. For this BMP we are suggesting an additional focus on sharing incentives and resources available to landowners in establishing drift barriers in Nebraska. Over the course of the project, four research technicians, six international undergraduate student interns (from El Salvador, Ecuador, Serbia and Brazil), and two domestic undergraduate students participated in the sample collection and processing of samples. They were trained in arthropod identification and field sampling techniques by CoPI Peterson. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Obj 1. Analyses of landscape enhancements(PI Wu-Smart 100% completed). In total, 79 sticky traps collecting air particles during corn planting were analyzed at the UNL Water Science Lab for 12 common agrochemicals. Data was analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX SAS 9.4. Results indicate neonicotinoid clothianidin and thiamethoxam were most frequently detected at 98% (ave33.39 ng/cm2) and 81% of the samples (ave8.27ng/cm2), respectively. Milkweed leaves were collected during corn anthesis (July-August, 2017- 2019) across 13-17 locations and at sites with and without drift barriers. A total of 180 milkweed leaves were sampled and the average corn pollen deposited on non-target milkweed leaves collected from areas without the drift barrier was 4.4 times higher than compared to samples collected in areas with drift barrier protection (ave155 grains/cm2) effectively blocking roughly 77% of corn pollen from landing on to the milkweed leaves. In 2017, when data were analyzed using pre and post rain samples, our data indicated that rain events washed off 88% (61 to 728 grains/cm2) of the pollen grains off milkweed surface suggesting exposure risk to Bt-laden corn pollen may not be evenly distributed among contaminated milkweed plants. Cry protein quantification in non-target milkweeds: In 2017, Cry1Ab (from corn pollen deposited onto milkweed leaves) was present in 66% of the samples analyzed and concentrations on milkweeds averaged 4.79 μg/cm2. In 2018, Cry1Ab was present in 52% of the milkweed samples collected but had Cry1Ab protein levels (average 30 μg/cm2) at roughly 6.3 times higher than compared to 2017 samples with concentrations ranging 5-139 μg/cm2. Cry1F proteins were present in 70% (123/175) of the samples collected and Cry1F (ave 3.02 μg/cm2). Cry2Ab2 proteins were present in 59% (55/133) of the samples collected and averaged 1.6 μg/cm2 in 2018 only. Overall findings indicate pollinator habitats with the drift barrier enhancement treatments were able to reduce pesticidal dust from settling on to the pollinator habitats that were established behind them by 93 to 96%. Milkweed plants unprotected by drift barriers had 77% and 51% higher contamination of corn pollen than milkweeds protected by drift barriers. Objective 2. Assess poolinatorcover crop mix (Co-PI Koehler-Cole) Results: Legume dry matter: In Fall2019, legume had 1,240 lb/a of dry matter which contained 34 lb/a of N. Soil nutrients: In May, soil where legume had been in the previous year had greater soil N at a depth of 0-8 inches in one field but did not have differences in N in the other field. Decomposing legume residue likely provided the boost in N and could indicate greater soil N available for corn uptake. Soil P levels were lower where legume had been grown compared to soils without legume. Soils after legume had about half of the P as soils after the control (27 ppm versus 57 ppm) which may restrict corn P uptake. Soil microbial biomass: Total soil microbial biomass was the same for legume and the control and was 6,400 ng/g in the upper 2 inches and 2,700 ng/g in the lower 6 inches. None of the functional groups measured (bacteria, including rhizobia which are N-fixing bacteria in the nodules of legume and other legumes), fungi (including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or AMF and saprophytic fungi), and actinomycetes) were influenced by the different treatments. Increases in fungi in particular have been correlated to improved soil aggregation, lowered erosion potential, increased nutrient cycling, and better water infiltration. Corn dry matter and yield: Corn dry matter (stover) was about 12% lower following legume than following the control. Corn dry matter N concentration was lower following clover than following the control treatment in one field. Nutrient (N, P) immobilization by the decomposing legume residue may have caused the lower N concentration and subsequent decline in corn dry matter. We have not yet processed samples for corn grain yield. Microbial abundance and diversity: Total microbial biomass was greater following the legume in one field, and greater following the control in the other field. Microbial diversity, as measured by the diversity index, was greater following the legume in both fields. It should be noted that the data was very variable, which is typical of soil microbial test results. Objective 3. Impact on beneficial insects (PIs Wu-Smart, Peterson, Weissling 100% completed). Surveys on forbes and pollinating insects (PI-Wu-Smart): From May- October for 2017 through 2019, a total of 20 survey collections were completed. A total of 2,69,488 forbs were 119 observed blooming within survey transects represented by 24 families, 51 genera and 67 species. Insects were captured in bi-monthly transects (2 x 30 m) using sweep nets and hand vialing techniques. A total of 3020 insects, representing 6 orders and 16 families were recorded across 3 collection years. A total of 621 bees were collected or observed, representing 5 families, 18 genera and 62 species. Natural enemy surveys (co-PI Peterson): Sampling for beneficial insects (focusing on natural enemies of crop pests) was conducted using pitfall traps and yellow sticky cards at each experimental plot during the summers of 2017-2019. Traps were located inside of the pollinator habitats as well as in the adjacent agricultural fields. Two sampling dates were completed in 2017: July 11-18 and August 10-16; three sampling dates were completed in 2018: June 14-20, July 18-25, and August 15-22; and two sampling dates were completed in 2019: June 12-19 and July 10-17. A total of 5,130 beneficial arthropods were identified from pitfall traps and yellow sticky card samples. Results from these samples indicate that abundance of natural enemy groups is enhanced by the presence of pollinator habitats; however, these effects do not universally translate into enhanced abundance in the adjacent crop fields. In particular, less effect of the pollinator habitat was observed on in-crop natural enemies at plots with drift barriers. Milkweed Surveys across NE to establish baseline data (Co-Pi Weissling): A total of 20,209 milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants were surveyed from 2017 to 2020 and a total of 202 monarch butterfly larvae were observed. Monarch caterpillars were most commonly encountered on sand (37 caterpillars/3531 stems = 1.05% utilization), common (109 caterpillars/13336 stems = 0.82% utilization), showy (79 caterpillars/8524 stems = 0.93% utilization) and swamp (3 caterpillars/315 stems = 0.96% utilization) milkweed. Objective 4. Farmer and Agriculture Professionals Surveys (Co-PI D. Golick): A total of 400 surveys were distributed to Nebraska farmers and agriculture professionals at UNL extension events and solicited through the web sites and social media. We had a total completion rate of a 23.75% (n = 95 respondents). Participants included a mix of agriculture workers including farmers and ranchers (25.0%), farmers and other income earning (25.0%), pesticide applicators (15.7%), farm mangers (10.5%), agronomists (10.5 %), seed sales or precision planting (5.3%), farm workers (5.3%), and others (2.7%). Of those that completed the survey, 52.6% have 5 or less years or less experience as agriculture professionals, 21.1% 6-10 year of experience, 10.6% 11-30 years of experience, and 15.8% over 30 years of experience. None of the respondents had kept bees. Likelihood in Using Pesticide Drift Barriers: Of respondents, 63.1% said they were somewhat likely or very likely to protect bees in wild spaces using drift barriers, while 23.6% said they are somewhat unlikely or very unlikely to (with 13.3% unsure). When asked how likely they were to protect pollinating insects in adjacent crop land by using drift barriers, 36.9% responded that they were somewhat likely to very likely to do so while 42.1% said they were unlikely or very unlikely to do so (with 21.0% unsure).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Iwanowicz DD, Wu-Smart JY, Olgun T, et al. An updated genetic marker for detection of Lake Sinai Virus and metagenetic applications. Peerj. 2020 ;8:e9424. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9424.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Olgun T, Everhart SE, Anderson T, WuSmart J (2020) Comparative analysis of viruses in four bee species collected from agricultural, urban, and natural landscapes. PLoS ONE 15(6): e0234431. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0234431
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
S. Gupta Vakil, Saptashati Biswas, Daniel Snow, J. Wu Smart. 2020, Rapid cost-effective method for quantifying pesticide residues from conventional seed coat treatments to better assess exposure risk from air contaminants during planting.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Gupta, Ana María Vélez, Arnubio Valencia Jimanez, J. Wu Smart. 2019. Sustainable landscape enhancements for pollinators, 15 minute power point presentation, Nebraska Chapter of wildlife society, York, February 2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Gupta, Ana María Vélez, Arnubio Valencia Jimanez, J. Wu Smart. 2019. Sustainable landscape enhancements for pollinators, 10 minute power point presentation, NCB, Cincinnati, March, 2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Gupta, J. Wu Smart. 2019. Mitigating pesticide exposure on pollinators through landscape enhancements, Poster presentation, International conference on Pollinators, University of California, Davis, July 17-20, 2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
S. Gupta, J. Wu Smart. 2020. Mitigating pesticide exposure on pollinators through landscape enhancements, International conference on Pollinators, 10 minutes presentation, American Bee Research Conference, Chicago, Illinois, Jan, 9-10, 2020
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Golick, D., Dauer, J., Lynch, L., & Ingram, E. (2018). A framework for pollination systems thinking and conservation. Environmental Education Research, 24(8), 1143-1158
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Peterson JA, J Wu-Smart, SG Vakil & AR Little. 2020. Provisioning and protecting natural enemies through precision conservation in agroecosystems. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting (virtual).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Wu-Smart, J. 2020. Integrated pesticide management for mid-western beekeepers and why we need another approach. Entomological Society of America ⿿Impacts of Pesticide Toxicity in Agroecosystems ⿿ Implications on Physiology, Behavior and Population Dynamics of Pests and Pollinators Symposium, virtual Nov 16-18, 2020
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Gupta Vakil, S. 2020. LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT OPTIONS TO REDUCE PESTICIDE CONTAMINATION IN POLLINATOR HABITATS AND INCREASE FORAGE FOR BENEFICIAL INSECTS IN AGROECOSYSTEMS. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Karacoban, T. 2018 Comparative analysis of viruses in four bee species collected from agricultural, urban, and natural landscapes. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Regional Great Plains Master Beekeepers Training Program (GPMB): GPMB is another program we began in April 2019 (fund by USDA NIFA # 2018-70017-28546). The main goal of a regional beekeeping training program is to provide science-based training opportunities to beekeeping farmers that will improve the health and productivity of honey bees and thus sustain and promote new beekeeping farmer businesses. The UNL Bee Lab offers beekeeping courses across Nebraska but through GPMB we are able to provide additional learning opportunities for the region. Current states participating in GPMB include Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri and GPMB members range in skills from novice beekeepers with no experience to advanced beekeepers wanting challenging classes and updated course offerings. Through GPMB, specifically, we offered an additional 7 Exploratory Beekeeping classes as well as trained the staff of our partners The Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) so they may independently provide courses in order to reach more people. The Exploratory Beekeeping courses introduce what is takes (cost & labor) to maintain healthy hives and allows people to make informed decisions prior to starting a new hive. In 2019, several exploratory classes targeted underserved communities in Crete, Grand Island, the Maci Reservation, Lincoln, Nebraska City, and Schuyler, Nebraska. These training opportunities have increased the skillset and knowledge of beginning beekeepers in Latino, Native American, and Veteran Communities. The courses were offered in Spanish and English to broaden the consumer base and featured hands on activities to familiarize novice beekeepers with the tools and terminology of the trade. The total number of members since the launch in April 2019 is 625 individuals. Of those members, ~ 51% are females further demonstrating GPMB⿿s ability to reach and maintain members from an underserved community. This program has grown very quickly and has a lot of potential to help beekeepers at a regional scale.
|
Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Through this project, UNL Bee Lab has provided research-based recommendations that promote honey bee health and biodiversity of wild bees in agroecosystems through active engagement with stakeholders (i.e. beekeepers, farmers, and land managers) and other interested parties (i.e. crop consultants and not-for-profit agencies). In 2019, UNL Bee Lab provided a total of 17 beekeeping extension workshops in 5 cities across Nebraska which reached 748 beekeepers from Scottsbluff (Scotts Bluff County) to Lincoln (Lancaster County). Course participants also included people from neighboring states Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Missouri. Of the 17 workshops, 13 were introductory level classes (Year 1 and Year 2 Beekeeping) reaching roughly 673 new or aspiring beekeepers. Introductory classes focused on basic honey bee management and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for honey bee pests and diseases. The other 4 were advanced courses (Queen rearing & Pest and Pathogen Diagnostics) that reached ~84 beekeepers. The advanced courses are designed to help beekeepers with 5+ years of experience expand their skills so that they may expand their businesses and operations in new directions. Additionally, PIs, students, and staff have provided numerous formal student lectures and informal youth education. Roughly 700 UNL undergraduate and graduate students were educated on the importance of bees and other pollinators, effects of pesticides on pollinators, and actions or precautions regarding integrated pest management and protecting pollinators in agroecosystems through guest class lectures and hands-on activities (Science Literacy 101, Biological Invaders, and other related courses). Further, UNL Bee Lab reached 2925 children through 16 youth outreach programs that spanned over five counties across NE. Programs were delivered in collaboration with NE Extension Educators and focused on activities that highlight the importance of pollinators and the role bees play in our ecosystem (i.e. pollinator habitat field planting days, constructing wild bee nests, and other interactive games that educate about pollination and food production). Project research has been presented a regional, national, and international scientific meetings, such as the North Central Branch and Annual Meetings of the Entomological Society of America, The American Bee Research Conference, The American Bee Federation Conference, and several other state Beekeeping Association conferences, and invited Keynote addresses at the Western Apicultural Society Conference, Nebraska One Health Symposium, and Iowa State University (Dept. of Entomology). Information has also been disseminated via UNL Bee Lab Facebook with roughly 1,000 followers and through our new Regional Master Beekeepers Training Program (launched in April, 215 participants thus far). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training opportunities: (Wu-Smart Lab): One PhD student (Surabhi Gupta Vakil) led efforts in objectives 2 and 3. Ms. Vakil has also disseminated her research results at local and national scientific and beekeeping conferences. Additionally, 8 part-time undergraduate students participating on this porject. Some students were seasonal field assistants that helped with insect and forb surveys, pesticide residue collection, and plot maintence. Other students assisted with laboratory tasks, sample preparation, data recording, insect pinning, etc. Graduate students, undergraduate students, and staff were provided professional development opportunities, such as presenting to stakeholders, assisting with workshop demonstrations and field day training, and delivering outreach programs to youth (k-12) and the general public. (Peterson Lab): Two research technicians and three international undergraduate student interns (from Serbia and Brazil) participated in the sample collection and initial processing of samples. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have disseminated our research results and extension education programs through presentations, workshops, extension services, and through other collaborative projects that stemmed from this Hatch grant. Stakeholder engagement & education programs: Train-the-trainer: We provided training to over 850 people from not-for-profit groups, conservation organizations, and state agencies, including The Nature Conservancy Staff Enrichment Training, BugMasters, Americorp, Nebraska Beekeepers Association, Farm Service Agency, and The Center for Rural Affairs so that they may learn about pollinators and other beneficial insects. Conferences: Invited speaker to 13 regional stakeholder and scientific conference and 1 international beekeeping conference (3rd International Australian Bee Congress Goldcoast, Australia). Regional conferences were in 8 states (AZ, CA, IA, KS, MO, NE, OH, SD) and 5 Nebraska cities. PI Wu-Smart organized the 2019 American Bee Research Conference (ABRC) for the American Association of Professional Apiculturists (AAPA) in Phoenix Arizona which had about 100 apicultural researchers and students attend. This was put on at the same time as the American Honey Producer (AHPA) Meeting which had roughly 300 commercial beekeepers across the national attend and the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) Conference had about 30 state inspectors attend. Participants from both AHPA and AIA groups were invited to have an open discussion session with AAPA researchers so we could identify emerging needs, hear beekeeper and inspector concerns, ask questions about hive pests and diseases, and identify gaps in knowledge, research, and or extension programs. Public engagement: UNL Bee Lab delivered 37 extension programs to the general public in 8 cities and 9 counties of NE, reaching ~18,373 people of all ages through community events to increase the awareness about the importance of beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, beetles, and flies, causes of pollinator decline, and ways any one can help promote healthy landscapes and ecosystems. Extension services provided by UNL Bee Lab: Hive inspection services: We provide on-site consulting services ($50/hr) to beekeepers who need more thorough inspection of their hives. Many beekeepers that utilize this service suspect problems with pesticide exposure, parasitic mites, or diseases. We assess hive health, check colonies for queen health, signs of diseases, Varroa mite levels, Nosema spp. levels, and provide written reports that summarize our finding and provide management recommendations to promote hive health.USDA APHIS hive health inspections: We provide contract services for the NE Department of Agriculture each year to participate in the national honey bee health survey. In 2018, a total of 14 apiaries were sampled from 11 different beekeepers across nine counties (Boone, Dixon, Dodge, Douglas, Hamilton, Lancaster, Lincoln, Saunders, Seward) in NE. Five apiaries were selected for repeated sampling as instructed by the USDA protocols. Colonies from those apiaries were sampled in May (early season), assessed for health, and marked for reassessment and sampling in August (late season). Eight colonies from each apiary are randomly selected, inspected, and sampled for mites, viruses, Nosema spp. pathogen, and pesticide residues. Samples are sent to the USDA lab for processing. Each participating beekeeper is also provided an on-site and written report on current hive status, queen health, and Varroa mite loads. Extension Publications: Seven extension publications were produced and are listed below. Three NebGuides are currently in the review process (one in prep) but will be published by the beginning of 2020. The others are sections in the Pacific Northwest Insect Pest Management Handbook focused on pest management in alternative pollinator systems (alfalfa leaf cutting, mason, and blue orchard bees). Monitoring for Pesticide Incidents in Honey Bee Colonies using Dead Bee Traps. Neb Guide Publication. Brummel S., Brummel C., Scholl D., and Wu-Smart J. (in review) Getting Honey Certified in Nebraska. Neb Guide Publication. Lamke K., Schacht W., Wedin D., and Wu-Smart J. (in review). Conserving Biodiversity: A Bee's Role in Prairie Grasslands. Nebraska Extension Circular. Mollet K., Peterson J., Schacht W., and Wu-Smart J. (in review). Pollinator Habitat Program for Public Land Managers in Nebraska. Neb Guide Publication. The IPM4Bees Midwest Working Group: Collaborations have created opportunities to address challenges at a regional scale, leveraging more diverse expertise, experiences, and perspectives. The IPM4Bees Working Group is such an example. Dr. Judy Wu-Smart (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Dr. Matthew O'Neal and Extension Educator Randall Cass (Iowa State University) received funding through North Central IPM Center (USDA NIFA #2018-70006-28883) to form the IPM4Bees Working Group to foster learning, collaboration, and information/resource sharing among researchers, extension professionals, and other stakeholders that work in honey bees, native bees, and bee-related integrated pest management (IPM). The primary areas of focus are aligning pollinator-friendly agricultural IPM practices with apicultural IPM strategies to control honey bee pests. In the working group's first year, great strides were made to increase interconnectivity between universities as well as other participating institutions, and pressing topics related to bee management practices and IPM were addressed. Regional Great Plains Master Beekeepers Training Program (GPMB): GPMB is another program we began in April 2019 (fund by USDA NIFA # 2018-70017-28546). The main goal of a regional beekeeping training program is to provide science-based training opportunities to beekeeping farmers that will improve the health and productivity of honey bees and thus sustain and promote new beekeeping farmer businesses. The UNL Bee Lab offers beekeeping courses across Nebraska but through GPMB we are able to provide additional learning opportunities for the region. Current states participating in GPMB include Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri and GPMB members range in skills from novice beekeepers with no experience to advanced beekeepers wanting challenging classes and updated course offerings. Through GPMB, specifically, we offered an additional 7 Exploratory Beekeeping classes as well as trained the staff of our partners The Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) so they may independently provide courses in order to reach more people. The Exploratory Beekeeping courses introduce what is takes (cost & labor) to maintain healthy hives and allows people to make informed decisions prior to starting a new hive. In 2019, several exploratory classes targeted underserved communities in Crete, Grand Island, the Maci Reservation, Lincoln, Nebraska City, and Schuyler, Nebraska. These training opportunities have increased the skillset and knowledge of beginning beekeepers in Latino, Native American, and Veteran Communities. The courses were offered in Spanish and English to broaden the consumer base and featured hands on activities to familiarize novice beekeepers with the tools and terminology of the trade. The total number of members since the launch in April is 215 individuals. Of those members, 107 or 55% are females. Additionally, we have 5 Native American members, 5 Hispanic members, and 75 members of the program that are Veterans or currently serving in the armed forces (34% of total members), further demonstrating GPMB's ability to reach and maintain members from an underserved community. This program has grown very quickly and has a lot of potential to help beekeepers at a regional scale. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?All pesticide residue work has been completed so we will work on finishing statistical analyses of data and preparaing publications. We will also focus our efforts on publishing 3 manscripts currently in preparation (submitted by May 2020). CoPIs will focus efforts on final data collection, analyses, and completion of project tasks. 4. Evaluate NE farmer willingness to adopt landscape enhancements using surveys and economic modelling and provide opportunities for outreach and educational events and materials (agroecosystem demonstration farms for other growers, 4-H and K-12 groups, Best Management Practices guidelines). (CoPI Golick) Our Hatch-funded work has led to us receiving additional funded research, extension projects, and new proposals: 1. The research questions created as a part of the landowner education and human dimensions behaviors and our preliminary research was used in our Women in Beekeeping grant proposal. The goal of this program (funded by SARE, No. LNC 17-396) is to create a collaborative learning environment for women, with a focus on improving pollination knowledge, colony health, and colony management.Several beekeepers involved in this project were also a part of another program in partnership with the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA). This program engages women beekeepers in a series of professional development events, learning opportunities, and one-on-one hive inspections. To understand the impacts of this program, we tracked changes in knowledge through interviews. Additionally, we used one-on-one hive inspections to measure changes in hive health. Currently, 10 women beekeepers partnering with women farmers completed pre- and post-program interviews, and one-on-one hive inspections during the early (March-April), mid (May-August), and late season (September-October). During these inspections we recorded measures of colony health on a standardized inspection sheet. We compared early, mid, and late season hive health scores to the change in pollination knowledge and honey bee management knowledge scores. Preliminary data indicates only honeybee management knowledge and mid-season hive scores were positively correlated (Spearman's Rho = 0.481,p =0.007, n = 30). We continued our work in develop and test questions for the farmer surveys and interviews with farmers and experts and questions were revised to include pictures. In July, we began collecting pilot study survey results from 6 participants. Pilot survey was collected and analyzed using SPSS. The survey pilot was critical in making revisions to landscape management questions and in revising the pictures shown to participants. The pilot helped us to finalize the survey and interview protocols and questions. The IRB for the finalized survey and interviews is under review through UNL's Research Compliance Office. We will begin collecting data for survey in February 2020 as a part of pesticide recertification workshops, soybean field days, and corn-grower field day through the spring and into fall. In 2020, we will collect final survey data and report findings at the annual Entomological Society of America conference in November 2020.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Examine to role existing treelines play as pesticide drift barriers: Pesticide analysis: To quantify the potential for pesticide contamination in pollinator habitats from neonicotinoid laden dust drifting from crop fields, a total of 25 sticky traps were placed in 17 treatment sites on April 18, 2019 and collected by May 10, 2019. Sticky traps (52 total) were analyzed for pesticides commonly used in seed-treated corn and soybeans by PhD student Surabhi Gupta Vakil using LCMS/MS (100% completed). To assess field-relevant pesticide exposure levels on non-target butterflies, corn pollen grains and Bt proteins (Cry1Ab, Cry1F, Cry2Ab2) deposited on milkweed plants were quantified. Leaf samples from 2018 have been quantified for corn pollen concentrations (100% completed) and cry protein quantification is still under process (completed by Dec 2019). These results will elucidate the environmental fate of neonicotinoid residues and Bt toxins, how far residues travel, how much is expressed in plant nectar and pollen, and thus relevant field exposure levels for non-target beneficial insects. Accomplishments: Clothianidin residue levels were highest in treatment A (control-no drift barrier) with an average contamination level of 118.72 ppb clothianidin, followed by treatment B (irrigated pollinator habitat) 21.82 ppb. In treatment D (pollinator habitat with drift barrier), sticky traps were placed in the crop field and in front of the drift barriers (ave =4.69 ppb) and within the pollinator habitat (ave=30.51 ppb). In treatment E (pollinator habitat with drift barrier and near cover crops) sticky traps showed lower contamination (ave=1.36 ppb) in traps placed front of drift barriers as well as in the adjacent pollinator habitat (ave=6.43 ppb). ANOVA analyses indicate significant differences among all treatments compared to the control (no drift barrier) treatment (F45,4=118.72; p=0.0002). In treatments with drift barriers there was reduction up to 97% in the clothianidin residues when compared with the control treatment. Within a treatment (pollinator habitats adjacent to drift barriers) there was a difference of almost 84% reduction in the clothianidin residues. This clearly depicts the effectivity of the drift barriers in providing safe and pesticide free forage resources for the pollinators. Soil samples in all the treatment groups were analyzed for the pesticide residues. The highest concentration of clothianidin, thiamethoxam and azoxystrobin in soil was detected in treatment B (Irrigated habitat) (average = 23.04, 1.08, 1.728 ppb, respectively). Soil collected from fields seeded with the cover crop yielded average clothianidin residue levels of 6.635 ppb. Results indicate varying contamination levels might be influenced by different soil types and water availability in habitats as residues may move horizontally off target fields and travel into non-target pollinator habitats. 2. Assess benefits of in-field options (winter wheat/legume cover crop mix in the corn-soy rotation) in regards to enhanced bee forage via cover crop on bees and on soil quality and corn yields (Co-PI Koehler-Cole) Accomplishments: Results presented here are preliminary data. Once data collection is complete, they will be subject to statistical significance testing (analysis of variance). Clover dry matter was calculated as the mean of all samples collected from both clover fields. For soil tests, the value for the control was calculated as the mean of the 2 wheat fields that did not have clover. The value for clover was calculated as the mean of the 2 fields were clover was growing. Clover dry matter: In 2018, clover had 2,400 lb/a of dry matter by September. Nitrogen content of clover is still being analyzed, and will be used to calculate the total amount of N contained in clover biomass. This will determine the N credits farmers can receive from a clover cover crop (which is the amount of N fertilizer saved). Soil nutrients: In the fall of 2017, clover fields had half of the soil nitrate as fields without clover (6 versus 12 lb N/a). Potassium values were similar for control (437 ppm) and clover fields (392 ppm), and phosphorus values were 59 ppm for both control and clover fields. Clover takes up soil nitrate, preventing it from leaching and subsequently becoming a pollutant in groundwater or surface water. Soil microbial biomass: Total soil microbial biomass was greater in the clover fields than in the control fields, especially in the upper 2 inches of soil (5,300 ng/g versus 3,700 ng/g). Several functional groups of microbes showed increases: total bacterial biomass (including rhizobia which are N-fixing bacteria in the nodules of clover and other legumes), total fungal biomass (including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or AMF and saprophytic fungi), and protozoa (which feed on other microbes). Increases in fungi in particular have been correlated to improved soil aggregation, lowered erosion potential, increased nutrient cycling, and better water infiltration. We show that forage legume cover crops can be established by undersowing into winter wheat. Forage legumes positively influence soil microbial communities, and especially the boost in soil fungal populations is key in increasing soil health. The information on pollinators and forage cover crops has been shared in a seminar that I gave to the Agronomy Department, and will also be presented to a general farm audience at the Crop Production Clinics in January of 2019. These talks help raise awareness of how neonicotinoids and pollen drift impact pollinator populations. 3. Assess impact of landscape enhancements (pollinator habitat & drift barriers) on pollinator and other beneficial insect community abundance and diversity. Bee surveys: From January to December, we completed 17 sampling transects at 17 established pollinator habitat sites. Roughly, 95 bees foraging in pollinator habitats were collected and their plant associations were recorded. Additionally, beneficial insects, including butterflies, beetles, and flies were visually observed in the pollinator habitats. Samples from 2019 have been pinned and cured and are under the process of identification. Currently, there are roughly 7 genera of bees identified, consisting of Bombus (13), Svastra (5), Mellisodes (22), Ceratina (9), Lasioglossum (3), Heriades (24), Augochlora (7) and, Halictus (6) (2019 bee identification ~60% done; completed by April 2020). Beneficial insect surveys: Sampling for beneficial insects (focusing on natural enemies of crop pests) was conducted using pitfall traps and yellow sticky cards at each experimental plot during the summers of 2017-2019. Traps were located inside of the pollinator habitats as well as in the adjacent agricultural fields. Two sampling dates were completed in 2017: July 11-18 and August 10-16; three sampling dates were completed in 2018: June 14-20, July 18-25, and August 15-22; and two sampling dates were completed in 2019: June 12-19 and July 10-17. Pitfall trap samples and yellow sticky cards from 2017-2018 have been processed by identifying and counting important beneficial insect groups: such as, ground beetles, rove beetles, spiders (identified to family), lady beetles, and others. Over 4,400 beneficial arthropods have been identified from these samples. Preliminary results from these samples indicate that abundance of natural enemy groups is enhanced by the presence of pollinator habitats; however, these effects do not universally translate into enhanced abundance in the adjacent crop fields. Further data analysis, and the inclusion of the 2019 data, will help to tease apart these effects. Samples collected in 2019 have been processed (arthropods removed from bulk storage containers and stored in glass vials of ethanol for longer-term preservation), but specific identification of the arthropods to the family level is currently underway and will be completed before May, 2020.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
N. Bjorklund, K., Lamke, S. Gupta Vakil, J., Wu Smart. 2019, March. Alfalfa leaf cutting bee (Megachile rotundata). In: Hollingsworth, C.S., editor. Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook C7. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
K. Lamke, S. Gupta Vakil, J. Wu Smart. 2019, March. Blue Orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) pests. In: Hollingsworth, C.S., editor. Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook C5. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
S. Gupta Vakil, J. Wu Smart. 2019, Contamination of milkweed plants(Asclepias syriaca) by transgenic maize (Zea mays) pollen and the role of drift barriers in reducing pesticide exposure. In prep
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Gupta Vakil, J. Wu-Smart. 2019. Landscape enhancements to reduce pesticide exposure and promote pollinators and beneficial insects Entomological Society of American North Central Branch Conference, Cincinnati March, 17, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Gupta Vakil, J. Wu-Smart. 2019. Landscape enhancements to reduce pesticide exposure and promote pollinators and beneficial insects, UNL Science Fair April, 25, 2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Gupta Vakil, J. Wu-Smart. 2019. Sustainable landscape enhancements for pollinators, Nebraska Wildlife Society Conference, Omaha Nebraska Feb, 22, 2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Gupta Vakil, J. Wu-Smart. 2019. Mitigating pesticide exposure on pollinators through landscape enhancements, International Conference on Pollinator Health and Policy, University of California, Davis, July 17-20, 2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Gupta Vakil, J. Wu-Smart. 2019. Mitigating pesticide exposure on pollinators through landscape enhancements, IPM4Bees Working Group Conference, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, July 25-26, 2019
|
Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:During the past year of this project, we have delivered workshops and educational materials to reaching over 200 beekeepers and ~250 growers, pesticide applicators, crop consultants, and government professionals. We also reached thousands of homeowners, youth, and not-for-profit organizations across the state and region through over a dozen public events. PIs and other students and technicians participated in targeted 4H and youth teaching activities reaching over 1120 students (preK- 5th graders) on pollinator protection and conservation strategies. The PIs and students on the project also gave research and extension presentations to stakeholder meetings, scientific conferences, and field days (see objective 4c for full details). Project results have been presented a regional, national, and international scientific meetings, such as the North Central Branch and Annual Meetings of the Entomological Society of America, The 3rd Annual International Australian Bee Congress Conference, The American Bee Research Conference, The American Bee Federation Conference, and several other state Beekeeping Association conferences, and invited seminars to the Wesleyan University (Dept. of Biology), Kansas State University (Dept. of Entomology), North Carolina State University (Dept. of Entomology) department of Entomology, and Iowa State University (Dept. of Entomology). Information has also been disseminated via UNL Bee Lab Facebook with roughly 1,000 followers and growing. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The graduate student, Surabhi Vakil, was provided with professional development opportunities focused on science integration, public speaking, and community engagement. Ms. Vakil presented her research at scientific conferences (the UNL Entomology Department Seminar, the Entomological Society of America conference) and industry conferences (NE Beekeeper's AssociationThe American Bee Federation). She has also written several proposals for scholarships and grants and was the recipent for the 2018 Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees Fellowship (awarded $3,000 + travel to the American Beekeeping Federation Conference). Graduate and undergradte students and technicians on this projecthave also participated in beekeeping workshop demonstrations and field day activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project results and educational resources and opportunities have been provided to youth, beekeepers, and landowners. Youth: The UNL Bee Lab including PI Wu-Smart, graduate and undergraduate students, and technicians have delivered conservation education programs to over a dozen individual schools (preK-5th grade), 4H Clover College programs, and N extension programs in Lincoln, Omaha, Gretna, Columbus, and York promoting the importance of pollinators and healthy ecosystems to over 1120 students. In addition, we were able to deliver several public events with a diverse group of stakeholders (City of Lincoln Parks and Rec (Pollinators on the Plaza-June 2018); HostDefense and pollinators (Fresh Thyme-June 2018); Brew's and Bees (Zipline Brewery-May 2018); Wild Adventures (Pioneer's Park Nature Center-March 2018); Pollinator Health (Apple Core Group-June 2018); Nature Learning Series (Joslyn Castle-June 2018); Common Grounds (Americorps Conservation Program-May 2018 in Fremont and July 2018 in Lincoln); Lauritzen Gardens Volunteer Education (30 participants-July 2018); LES Sustainable Living Festival-July 2018); Kimmel Orchard- September 2018. Beekeepers: Pi-Wu-Smart has conducted several beekeeping workshops reaching roughly 200 people (Introductory Beekeeping, UNL Mead, NE (80 participants- Feb 2018); Introductory Beekeeping field day, UNL Lincoln, NE (60 participants -April 2018); Year 2 Beekeeping, UNL Mead, NE (50 participants- March 2018); Year 2 Beekeeping field day, UNL Lincoln, NE (40 participants- April 2018); Advanced Beekeeping: Queen Rearing, UNL Mead, NE (40 participants- June 2018). Estimates are lower than participate counts because many attended multiple workshops as more advanced courses (year 2 and advanced topics) are designed to build upon knowledge gained from introductory courses for their continued professional development. Other educational opportunities for beekeepers included public events and presenting research at beekeeping group conferences (Nebraska State Beekeepers Fun Day (Wu-Smart was a co-organizer and presented research talks/hands-on demos to ~ 100 beekeepers- June 2018) Mead NE; Northeast Kansas Beekeeper's Bee Fun Day (presented 3 research talks and hands-on demo to 400+ beekeepers- June 2018) Lawrence KS; QC Supply short course (Intro to beekeeping and equipment) (30 participants-March 2018), Schuyler, NE) Landowners: PIs- Wu-Smart and Golick collaborated with the Honey Bee Health Coalition to develop a CEU-accredited educational module for crop consultants, advisors and applicators "Protecting Honey Bees in Productive Agriculture" and we piloted the module at the National and State Specific Independent Crop Consultant meetings in NE (Mid-Winter Conference), WI, and CA (February 2018). In the module, we provide best management guidelines for growers and beekeepers and used our research plots as an example of how placement of hives may mitigate bee decline. Participants provided feedback on the pesticide presentations through a survey. The participants agreed that the workshop was worth their time M = 4.15 (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). They also agreed that they would recommend the workshop to pesticide applicators or farmers M =4.5. Most participants agreed that they learned something new about pollinator protection, M = 3.8. Finally, 100% of participants were able to list at least one correct honey bee pesticide protection strategy presented in the honey bee protection training session. PI- Wu-Smart collaborated with NE Extension Educators and The Xerces Society to deliver a "Farming with Beneficial Insects: Conservation Biocontrol short course" (March 2017) which used our research site as a demonstration site. Plans for another short course for 2019 are under-way. PI-Wu-Smart has also conducted training opportunities for land managers (The Nature Conservancy: Staff Enrichment workshop (Intro to managed and wild bees), Nebraska City, NE (70-80 participants- June 2017, 2018, and planning for 2019) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Wild bee and beneficial insect surveys will continue at ENREC and across the state of Nebraska in 2019 to assess which species are most impacted by agrichemicals and which utilized pollinator habitats in agricultural areas. Field-collected data (from 2017 and 2018) on insect community presence and pesticide residue analyses has provided field-relevant dosing concentrations for laboratory toxicity bioassays which will begin March 2019. While field data collected thus far has helped establish potential risk of pesticide exposure (levels present in nectar/pollen) to which insects (specific bees, butterflies, and natural enemies), laboratory toxicity assays will elucidate the potential impacts of neonicotinoid insecticides and Bt toxin contamination on milkweeds to visiting pollinators and developing Monarch butterfly larvae.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) To assess field-relevant pesticide exposure levels on non-target butterflies, the amount of corn pollen grains and Bt proteins (Cry1ab, Cry1f) deposited on milkweed plants were quantified using acetolysis (100% completed) and protein determinate assays (Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) (100% completed).In 2017, leaves (n=180) from milkweed plants were collected from 13 treatment sites with and without drift barriers. The corn pollen concentration from 120 milkweed leaf samples collected in 2017 were processed early this year. Corn pollen was found on 62% of milkweed leaf samples and all expressed Bt Cry1ab and Cry1f proteins (mean= 701.71 pollen grains/cm2 per leaf). Milkweed plants unprotected by drift barriers had 31% higher corn pollen levels (mean= 786.78 grains/cm2) in comparison to milkweeds protected by drift barriers (mean 188.98 grains/cm2). Leaves from the upper, middle, and lower parts of the plant also showed differences in corn pollen deposition averaging 870.289, 137.57, and 868.75 grains/cm2, respectively. Data from 2017 has been compared using an analysis of variance model (SAS statistical program) and Poisson distributed count data. Final analysis of results are ongoing, but initial data are not significantly different by treatment. However, there are distinct differences in the amount of pollen grains and Cry proteins present on milkweeds 1 and 5 meters away from field edge and with and without drift barrier protection, as well as differences in pollen deposition on leaves collected from the upper, middle, and lower sections of the plant. We will continue to process 2018 samples (leaves collected from 180 plants at 13 sites) using the same methods and incorporate results to increase statistical power. These results will help elucidate the environmental fate of neonicotinoid residues and Bt toxins, how far residues travel, how much is expressed in plant nectar and pollen, and thus relevant field exposure levels for non-target beneficial insects. 2a) To assess the abundance and diversity of forbes in established pollinator habitats adjacent field crops, near existing tree lines, or on pivot irrigated corn field plots bimonthly transects were conducted on established pollinator habitats at ENREC, Mead from June 6, 2018 until October 10, 2018. Around 27 different species of forbs were established out of the 40 different species seeded. Flower abundance and diversity data has been compared across treatment sites using an analysis of variance model (SAS statistical program) and Poisson distributed count data followed by pair-wise Tukey tests to assess which treatment groups were different from one another. Preliminary data indicate significant differences in the number of flower species among treatment sites (F4,13=5.7;p=0.0071). The highest forb diversity was observed in the treatments with drift barriers (18 forb species) but was not significantly different from sites near legume cover crops (16 species). However, sites near cover crops were not significantly different from sites without drift barriers (control group (14 species), and sites with drift barrier and near legume cover crops (12 species). Pollinator habitats established under irrigation equipment on pivot-fields yielded the least numbers of forbes (2 species) and was significantly different from all other sites. The low floral establishment at these sites are likely due to the placement of these habitats within crop fields and higher exposure to herbicides applied to the crop fields. These data suggest that existing tree lines do act as pesticide drift barriers as well as wind barriers which may be positively impacting floral establishment. 2b) To evaluate the abundance and diversity of bees and other beneficial insects (i.e. butterflies, beetles, flies, natural enemies) utilizing pollinator habitats near agricultural fields and that may become unintentionally exposed to neonicotinoids and Bt pollen, we assessed the insect communities at ENREC treatment sites as well as surveyed milkweed plants in across the state. ENREC pollinator surveys (PI:Wu-Smart): Bi-monthly transects were completed in 2017 (n= 10) and in 2018 (n=12) at each treatment site. In 2017, a total of 307 insects were collected and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level (species)(100% completed). Of the total insects collected, 31% (n=95) were bees belonging to families Apidae (n=45), Megachilidae (n=2), and Halictidae (n=52).Insect abundance data has been compared across treatment sites using an analysis of variance model (SAS statistical program) and Poisson distributed count data on pooled bees and other insects collected. followed by tukey test comparisons. Pollinator habitats with drift barriers had significantly higher insect counts (n=91) then all other treatments (F4,13=17.68; p<0.001). Sites near cover crops yielded insect counts (n=65 and 81, with and without drift barriers, respectively) not significantly different from control sites (n=49). Pollinator habitats established in pivot-irrigated fields had the fewest insects (n=8) and was significantly different from all other treatments. For 2018, bee transects were conducted from June 6, 2018 to October, 10 2018. All of the bees collected have been pinned (100% completed), we are working on identification (50% completed)and will be complete by April 2019. ENREC natural enemy surveys (co-PI Peterson): Sampling for beneficial insects (focusing on natural enemies of crop pests) was conducted using pitfall traps and yellow sticky cards at each experimental plot during the summers of 2017 and 2018. Traps were located inside of the pollinator habitats as well as in the adjacent agricultural fields. Two sampling dates were completed in 2017: July 11-18 and August 10-16 and three sampling dates were completed in 2018: June 14-20, July 18-25, and August 15-22. Pitfall trap samples and yellow sticky cards will be processed by identifying and counting important beneficial insect groups: such as, ground beetles, rove beetles, spiders (identified to family), lady beetles, and others. Samples collected from 2017 and 2018 have been processed (arthropods removed from bulk storage containers and stored in glass vials of ethanol for longer-term preservation), but specific identification of the arthropods to the family level has been initiated but not yet completed. These identifications will be completed by March, 2019. State-wide Milkweed Surveys (Co-Pi Weissling):A total of 5,563 milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants were surveyed for endemic arthropods in 2018 at 447 different locations across Nebraska. A total of 79 monarch butterfly larvae were observed in 2018, feeding on common, showy, sand, swamp, and spider milkweed species. Additional arthropods observed included predators, herbivores, and pollinators. Predators: a total of 261 predatory insects were observed on milkweed plants. The most abundant predatory species were soldier beetles and ladybird beetles, which comprised 63.2 and 24.5% of the total sample, respectively. Other predatory arthropods (and percent of sample) included long-legged flies (4.6%), nabid bugs (0.3%), spiders (2.7%), flower flies (1.1%), green lacewings (2.3%) and assassin bugs (1.1%). Pollinators: 90 hymenopteran pollinators were observed on sampled milkweeds. Various wasp and bees species comprised 40 and 33.3% of the total number observed, respectively. Halictid bees accounted for 4.4% of total pollinators while bumble bees accounted for 22.2%. Herbivores: not all herbivorous species have been included in this report but the predominant species in most sampling locations were oleander aphids, which were found in 64 of the milkweed patches sampled. A correlation analysis between beneficial insect abundance and diversity, and sampling location as well as landscape ecology and land use patterns, and the abundance of flowering plants will be conducted when more data is collected.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
O⿿Neal, S., Anderson, T. and Wu-Smart, J. 2018. Interactions between pesticides and pathogen susceptibility in honey bees. Curr. Opin. Insect Sci. 26: 57-62
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Sustainable landscape enhancements for pollinators, American bee Conference, Reno Nevada
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Landscape enhancements to reduce pesticide exposure and promote
Beneficial insect and pollinator communities in agricultural areas, ESA, Denver
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Sustainable landscape enhancements for pollinators, UNL One Health Initiative Conference Omaha, NE
|
Progress 10/31/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:For this reporting period, experiments were set up but we have not worked with our target audience of farmers yet. However, one of the objectives outline was to evaluate pollinator/pollination systems knowledge in farmers.Co-PI Golick has begundeveloping a survey for farmers to assess this knowledge. Hehas also begun training two undergraduate students to conduct interviews with farmers. This will be extremely helpful in preparing these students to conduct surveys and focus groups with farmers on pesticide barriers. Also, these students have engaged in collecting publications on the topic of farmer decision making in protecting beneficial insects. From this work, we are developing survey questions for use with Nebraska farmers. We plan to pilot some of these pollinator protection questions as a part of two other (subject related) research projects in Spring 2018. Changes/Problems:We had a few problems with establishing the pollinator plots. Shortly after we seeded the plots in May, we experienced several weeks of extreme heat and many of the seedlings were killed during this time. Some plants still came up but we had poor establishment of forbes in generaltherefore we reseeded plots in November of 2017. Due to the lack of flowers within the pollinator plots this year, all of the collections for pollinators and natural enemies had to be taken in field margins outside of the pollinator plots. In the following seasons, we plan to collect natural enemies, pollinators, and plant data within the pollinator plots, in field margins, and within pollinator-friendly cover crops (during bloom). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The graduate student, Surabhi Vakil, was provided with professional development opportunities focused on science integration, public speaking, and community engagement. Ms. Vakil presented her research proposal attwo scientific venues (the UNL Entomology Department Seminarandthe Entomological Society of America conference) and one industry conference (NE Beekeeper's Association). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The PI Dr. Wu-Smart has presented research updateson this projectat several industry conferences (Nebraska Beekeeper's Association, NE Kansas Beekeeper's Association, CA Almond Board) as well within the scientific community (UNL Community-at-a-glance seminar, American Bee Research Conference, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Conference). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue to collect data on neonicotinoid and Bt toxins exposures using sticky traps as described previously before, during, and after corn planting and pollen anthesis in 2018. Additionally, the abundance and diversity of pollinators and the plants they are utilizingwill continue from April through October in 2018 near and within establish pollinator plots as well as within pollinator-friendly cover crops during bloom.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact statement: Enhancing agricultural lands, such as under-utilized crop margins, with a high density of wildflowers has excellent potential for providing pollinator habitat and forage. However, improperly designed and placed on the land, they can inadvertently cause problems by capturing harmful systemic neonicotinoids that pose risks to foraging pollinators. Nectar and pollen of nearby plants may become contaminated by neonicotinoids through non-target drift of treated seed-coating dust during corn plantings in early spring, such as that found with wildflowers. Documented effects of neonicotinoid exposure on bees include impaired foraging and nesting behavior, inhibition of colony development in social bees, and mortality. In addition, Cry proteins, biological pesticides expressed in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), transgenic corn are expressed in corn pollen and may cause harmful effects on monarch larvae when Bt pollen drifts onto host plants that are consumed by monarch larvae. Neonicotinoid and Bt toxin exposure represent serious risks to pollinators in spring (during corn planting) and late summer (corn anthesis) when resources are limited. Landscape enhancements designed to reduce pesticide drift and increase availability of forage during those times may have the greatest impact on mitigating pollinator decline. The project seeks to evaluate landscape enhancement designs for mitigating neonicotinoid and Bt toxin contamination into pollinator habitats established in field margins. Research accomplishments: In 2017, weestablished 18 experimental pollinator habitats plots (4.5 x 9m) covering 5 different landscape enhancement design options (1: Pollinator habitat only; 2: Irrigated pollinator habitat; 3: Pollinator habitat near pollinator-friendly cover crops; 4: Pollinator habitatwith pesticide drift barriers; 5: Pollinator habitat + Pollinator-friendly cover crop + Drift barriers). Plots were established at the UNL Eastern Nebraska Research and ExtensionCenter (ENREC)in Mead, NE. Each plot was seeded with a native pollinator seed mix containing 30+ forbe species in May and reseeded in November 2017. Irrigated pollinator habitats were establish under the drip line in irrigated pivot fields. Here, we seek to evaluate the forbe establishment with the aid of the irrigation system and aim the evaluate how this may impact the pollinators foraging in irrigated pollinator habitats. We are also interested in assessing the potential level of contamination and pesticide exposure risk to pollinators and natural enemies when plots have been irrigated compared to plots that have not been irrigated. Pollinator-friendly cover crops were established by usinga mix of alfalfa, red clover and white clover at a rate of 25 lb/a was undersown into conventional winter wheat stands in late February 2017. In the wheat field on the east side of the farm, cover crops were planted adjacent to the windbreak. In the wheat field on the west side, cover crops were planted on the east side, away from windbreads. Only half of each field was planted, for a total of about 4 acres of cover crops. Wheat was fertilized, but not sprayed so as not to damage the legumes. Four plots were established near existing mature tree lines and will be assessedfor its effectiveness as a pesticide drift barrier using pesticide exposure measures. Pesticide exposure data: To examine potential neonicotinoid contamination from treated-seed dust released during corn planting into pollinator plots, sticky traps(glass microscope slides coated with tangle foot adhesive spray) were placed ineach pollinatorplots andin front of drift barriers at roughly 1.25 m from the ground.Sticky traps were set up inlate April during corn planting and will beanalyzedusing GC/MS to assess the level of contamination and potential exposure to pollinators. Bt toxins embedded in corn pollen were capturedby collecting milkweed leavesin field margins near each experimental plot during pollen anthesis (end of July). Leaves were rinsed andpollen grainsfrom milkweed leaves were isolated and are currently being identified, quantified, and tested forBt toxins. Pollinators and natural enemies assessments: Initial baseline information was gathered on the pollinator community near established pollinator plots by walking30 meter transects across field edgesand collecting foraging bees using standardvial and net collection methods. A total of 11 sampling collections were performed between July and October. Bees, wasps, and butterflies were collected and identification tothe lowest taxonomical orderis currently underway.In additionto surveys performed at ENREC, co-Pi Weissling has performed milkweed surveys to assess which insects utilize these plants and what milkweed species exist in over 700 locations across Nebraska. In conjuction with this project and Dr. Weissling additional surveys, we are investigating the type of data needed and methods of analysis to correlate monarch and pollinator densities with land use patterns and landscape features. Finally, pitfall traps were set up in July and August to collect baseline information on the abundance and diversity of natural enemies near pollinator plots. This baseline information will be used to compare with the abundance and diversity measures collected within the pollinator plots once the forbes have been established in 2018. Then we can compare insect and plant community profiles to examine the impact of neonicotinoid and Bt toxin contamination in pollinator plots at the 5 different design options.
Publications
|
|