The Wild Blueberry Advisory Committee (WBAC) is a group of 7 industry representatives appointed by the Commission to set research, development, and Extension priorities and recommend funding allocations for the 91���� wild blueberry research and Extension projects. All WBAC award funding is derived from the wild blueberry tax.

After hearing research and Extension faculty present their proposals in February, and a thorough discussion of their merits, the WBAC, made the following 7 awards totaling $190,324 to support wild blueberry research and Extension work at the 91����.

Investing in the Economic Health of the Wild Blueberry Industry ($16,725) – Dr. Malacarne

This project will take stock of the financial health of the wild blueberry industry and create resources to help growers make informed decisions related to price and production risk management and on farm capital investment. 

Prototyping and Commercialization of the Alan Rau Harvester ($60,000) – Kirkmann, Wentworth, and Dr. Calderwood

This funding allows this core group of researchers and engineers to conduct an additional field season of prototype design, manufacture, and testing of a novel wild blueberry harvester.

Actionable Nutrient Tests: Does Foliar Nitrogen Predict the Need for Fertilizer ($28,664) – Drs. King and Calderwood

This project aims to “Improve understanding of soil and tissue test-based recommendations to inform improved wild blueberry nutrient application timing, rates, and methods.”

Planning for and Addressing International Market Barriers ($10,000) – Dr. Fanning

This project will develop decline curves for management tools that target SWD, BMF, and fungal pathogens to aid the industry in accessing offshore markets. Dr. Fanning is working to leverage this small award to secure significant additional external dollars.

How Worth it is Irrigation? Using soil-water, plant physiology, and enterprise tools to guide mid-season water management decisions ($15,673) – Drs. Schattman, Calderwood, Malacarne, and Barra Netto-Ferreira

This project aims to “deliver recommendations for cost-effective irrigation technologies and techniques for drought, extreme heat and/or frost risk management”, “define both optimal and minimum crop water needs (i.e., frequency, volume, timing)”, and “promote farm economic tools and provide cost-benefit insights on management options.”

Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) of a Freshpack Wild Blueberry Processing Line ($33,604) – Kirkmann and Dr. Calderwood

This project aims to develop a complete reference package for a typical wild blueberry freshpack processing line including minimum viable line size, equipment list and specifications, utility requirements, space and building needs, safety considerations, and scalable layout options using SLP.

2026 Wild Blueberry Disease Project Support ($25,658) – Dr. Annis

This funding will help deliver recommendations on the impacts of fertilizer rate and timing on mummy berry and leaf spots, improve understanding of the spread of red leaf disease and management, maintain disease forecasting stations and alerts.

As the May 1 college decision deadline approaches, students are showing increased interest in academic programs with clear career pathways.

At the 91����, that trend is evident across disciplines tied to growing sectors of the U.S. economy, including engineering, health care and biomedical sciences, business, natural resources and environmental sciences, agriculture and food systems, communication sciences and disorders, and biotechnology.

University data highlight several indicators of that demand:

• Mechanical engineering enrollment has increased by more than 30% over the past decade, with a 95% student satisfaction rate.
• The wildlife, fisheries and conservation biology program reports that 95% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school, with 82% working in natural resource fields.
• The Maine Business School, which will enroll 330 first-year students, filled nearly half of those seats before April and reports a 94% positive outcome rate.
• In animal and veterinary sciences, about 20% of graduates continue to veterinary or medical school.
• Health-related fields tied to several majors are projected to see continued jobgrowth over the next decade.

Mechanical engineering

91����’s mechanical engineering program, now the university’s largest major, has expanded in response to national demand for engineers in industries including manufacturing, technology and transportation.

Enrollment has increased by more than 30% over the past decade. Graduates are recruited by employers such as Bath Iron Works, Pratt & Whitney, Northrop Grumman, Texas Instruments, GE and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

The curriculum progresses from foundational coursework in math and physics to advanced engineering applications, with an emphasis on analysis, design and problem-solving. Experiential learning is integrated throughout, with students participating in internships, co-ops and a yearlong senior capstone design sequence focused on design, prototyping and testing.

Students may pursue concentrations such as aerospace engineering, along with minors or certificates in robotics, artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing. The program reports a 95% positive student sentiment rate.

REad the full story online

Wildlife, fisheries and conservation biology

The wildlife, fisheries and conservation biology program has more than doubled in enrollment over the past two decades, reflecting sustained interest in conservation and natural resource careers.

The curriculum emphasizes field-based learning. More than half of courses include outdoor labs, and students complete a required immersive field experience in Downeast Maine that is frequently cited as a defining part of their education. More than 80% of undergraduates report that fieldwork influenced their decision to enroll.

Students gain experience through field surveys, internships and research. About 70% complete field experiences, and more than half participate in faculty-led research. Faculty and students have also produced more than 140 peer-reviewed publications and secured nearly $16 million in research funding during the past five years.

Among graduates, 95% are employed or enrolled in graduate school, and 82% work in natural resource fields.

REad the full story online

Speech, pre-medical and biomedical sciences

91���� is reporting increased interest in programs that prepare students for careers in health care, research and biotechnology, reflecting broader national workforce trends.

Fields such as speech-language pathology and audiology are projected to experience above-average job growth over the next decade, according to federal labor data. Demand is influenced by factors including an aging population and expanded access to care.

Programs in communication sciences and disorders, biology, biochemistry and microbiology provide preparation for graduate study and professional careers, including speech-language pathology as well as medical, dental and veterinary school.

Students frequently participate in faculty-led research, gaining experience that supports applications to graduate programs or entry into the workforce. Faculty say the programs emphasize both academic preparation and applied learning.

REad the full story online

Business

The Maine Business School is nearing capacity for its incoming class, reflecting strong student demand for business education.

The program will enroll 330 first-year students, and nearly half of those seats were filled before April. Administrators say the pace of enrollment indicates sustained interest throughout the admissions cycle.

Students are drawn to the flexibility of the degree, particularly the general business major, which allows exploration across disciplines before selecting a concentration. Finance and marketing remain among the most popular areas of study.

The school reported a 94% positive outcome rate for the Class of 2024, defined as graduates employed, enrolled in graduate school or participating in service programs within six months. Officials say the program is designed to prepare students for a range of careers across industries.

REad the full story online

Animal and veterinary sciences

Enrollment in 91����’s animal and veterinary sciences program has increased since before the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting demand for careers in animal health, veterinary medicine and agriculture.

The program prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine, research and agriculture-related fields. About 20% of graduates continue to veterinary or medical school, while others enter the workforce directly.

Students gain hands-on experience at the university’s J.F. Witter Teaching and Research Center, where they work with animals in applied settings and develop practical skills.

All students also participate in research with faculty on topics including animal health, environmental systems and disease. Faculty say the program is structured to support both exploration and career preparation as workforce demand continues to grow.

REad the full story online

Contact: David Nordman, david.nordman@maine.edu 

Discover campus and coastal life at the 91���� through “Life in the Pines,” where real students share their experiences studying, exploring nature and embracing community on both the Orono and Machias campuses.

“Life in the Pines,” an unscripted video series sharing stories of students at the 91���� and 91���� at Machias, has launched its second season.

Each episode follows a student along their academic journey, whether it takes them to the coast, wild blueberry fields, medical research labs, K-12 classrooms, basketball courts or, literally, through the pines. Prioritizing authenticity, this series seeks to show what life is really like for students at both campuses. Visit to watch the full series.

Students to be featured this season include: 

• Alan Chausse, a forestry major who also plays in a band and rock climbs.
• Quincy Clifford, a business management major who has studied abroad in Costa Rica and played basketball with other students from around the globe.
• Jasper Makowski, a microbiology major, Honors College student, medical research lab student researcher and Circle K New England district governor.
• McKenna Chappell, a parks, recreation and tourism major who spends mornings creating art and afternoons teaching children about Maine’s outdoors.
• Nico Durkee, a studio art major in the marching band who plays with molten metal in the sculpture studio. 
• Lauren Smack, a sociology major, singer and dancer who’s made Orono her new home. 
• Isabelle Puccio, a biomedical engineering major who conducts breast cancer research and searches for ways to combine music and science.
• Samantha Ney, an elementary education major who lives life on Marsh Island to the fullest, from walking the trails to cheering on the Black Bears. 
• Jeffrey Nowack, who never thought he would be a drum major until he recently discovered his passion — and possible career paths — for music education.
• Joey Ferguson, an integrative biology major who conducts wild blueberry research and responds to marine mammal strandings in Downeast Maine. 

Don’t miss this insider’s look at 91���� through the lens of a dynamic group of students living life in the pines.

Transcript:

I have friends that are going to school right now in Colorado and Nebraska and they’re beautiful, but Maine is forged by nature and forged by the people that are here. I feel like it’s a flex.

Pumpkin season starts at the 91����’s Highmoor Farm early in June. David Handley, a small fruit and vegetable specialist at 91���� Cooperative Extension, and Mark Hutton, associate professor of vegetable crop, watch as the pumpkins grow, taking calls along the way from farmers in Maine who may be experiencing their own issues with the crop.

Handley said drought was the biggest challenge for pumpkin growers this year. The season started off cold and wet, then experienced drought throughout the summer.

“Pumpkins are not a crop that is typically going to be happy in Maine, because it has more southern origins,” Handley said. “They’re from central South America. So up here, we are really pushing it to try to get a crop in the short growing season that we have.”

Farmers aim to find the balance between planting a seed in warm-enough soil and giving the pumpkins time to fully mature. Many, like Estes Blueberry Farm in Buxton — which also harvests and wholesales three acres of pumpkins, have invested in irrigation to mitigate inconsistent rainfall.

Highmoor Farm, located between Augusta and Lewiston in Monmouth, is one of several locations that comprise the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES), which leads research and initiatives to help farmers across the state.

As seed companies constantly push their latest variety releases, Highmoor specialists conduct trials every year to help farmers know which pumpkin varieties will and won’t perform well in Maine. “We take the lumps, so the farmers don’t have to,” Handley said. 

The farm also compiles data to educate growers about details such as which varieties have the deepest orange hues, the strongest stems, the shallowest ridges, the largest average weight and the most plentiful growing season.

Matt Pellerin, owner of Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant, said he calls Handley several times per week at certain points of the year. Treworgy has a corn maze, apple orchard, pumpkin patch, fall raspberries, hay rides and a cafe that sells cider, hot chocolate and doughnuts during the fall. Pellerin, a second generation farmer, said he asks Handley about signs of disease, spray treatment and water supply during the growing season.

“For a farmer, having somebody that you can call and ask questions that has broad experience and knowledge is really helpful,” Pellerin said. “You’re kind of out here doing this on your own.”

Handley, who has been working at 91���� Extension for 42 years, is an invaluable resource to farmers across the state. Pellerin said every year is different, so answers to his questions aren’t just a matter of knowing everything there is to know about one crop in a single year. Weather conditions differ, plant responses differ and problems, like pests, differ from year to year. 

“I’m always growing the same types of crops, but I experience different problems each year,” Pellerin said. “I’m a verbal processor, so having somebody to talk to helps me to think and make decisions.”

In addition to pumpkins, Highmoor Farm has 17 acres of orchards, where they test new apple varieties alongside ones commonly found growing in Maine. Renae Moran, an Extension tree fruit specialist, advises growers on problems that arise throughout the season. 

Moran, also a professor of pomology at 91����, said she gets the most calls during the spring bloom phase and the two weeks that follow. Controlling how many apples grow on a tree can determine the success of a season’s orchard. Too many and the apples will be too small — potentially down to the size of a golf ball. Too few and the tree won’t produce enough to turn a profit. 

This year came with another unique challenge in the bloom phase. Moran said the persistence of cold weather into the spring kept bees from pollinating apple flowers.

“Growing apples for marketing requires a high degree of horticultural knowledge,” Moran said. “My job is to fill in the gaps and to anticipate problems that are unique to each season.”

Later in the growing season, when the apples are almost ready to pick, Moran travels around the state to different orchards and helps farmers determine when to pick the tree fruit. She uses a tool to test how much chlorophyll has broken down in the apple peel by measuring how much light the peel is absorbing. Whether the apples will be placed in cold storage or used immediately after harvest determines when they need to be picked.

Highmoor Farm also deploys scouts as part of the program at Extension to look for signs of pest and disease in orchards during the summer. The scout program covers a variety of crops across the state, including potatoes, apples, sweet corn and strawberries. 

Tom Stevenson of Stevenson Strawberry Farm, which grows other crops including sweet corn and pumpkins, was a scout himself in high school and is now a part of the network of farms in Maine who use the program. Not only does the scout program help the farms it directly connects with, it informs other farms in the state of what disease and pests the scouts are finding. 

In addition to on-the-ground support, the university tests soil for farmers through the MAFES Analytical Laboratory and Maine Soil Testing Service. Don Estes, who owns the blueberry farm in Buxton, said he sends soil tests in at the beginning of the growing season and receives a list back detailing what it needs. 

Farmers with operations of all scales are encouraged to contact their for more information on the resources available to them. 

Contact: Ashley Yates; ashley.depew@maine.edu

Leaders

���ܲ��ܲ��ٲ�– Governor Janet Mills, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) and Maine Department of Education (DOE), has 2025 as the “Year of Youth in Agriculture” in Maine. The Year of Youth in Agriculture will provide opportunities to spotlight and elevate young adult voices in agriculture by leveraging resources, including events, partnerships, and the work of engaging and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. including through nationally recognized organizations like 4-H and FFA.

“I am pleased to proclaim 2025 as the ‘Year of Youth Agriculture’ in Maine, celebrating the young people who are shaping the future of Maine’s agricultural sector,” said Governor Janet Mills. “In the coming months, the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine Department of Education will work with partners across the state to ensure Maine’s next generation of farmers and growers have the training, mentorship, and resources necessary to carry forward Maine’s rich agricultural heritage.”

The Year of Youth in Agriculture will focus on integrating youth perspectives into key activities throughout the year, fostering opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing their contributions to the future of farming.

Some highlights include:

• Youth Panel at the Ag Trades Show Commissioner’s Luncheon (January 14): Young people involved in agriculture through FFA, 4-H, and Cultivating Community will share their ideas and hopes for the future of farming. This panel aims to provide insight into the interests, aspirations, and challenges faced by youth in agriculture today.
• Engagement on Agriculture Day in the Legislature (March 18): A cohort of youth will be invited to gain exposure to the many exhibiting organizations while meeting DACF staff and policymakers to deepen their understanding of agricultural policy and legislative processes and issues.
• Highlighting community involvement: Many youth are proudly involved in our agricultural fairs, school gardens, and other settings where farming and food and fiber production contribute to their communities. We will look to spotlight these stories, celebrating youth leadership throughout the year, including highlighting their participation at the “Big E” in Springfield, MA, during September. This year’s Big E marks the 100th anniversary of the Maine Building, showcasing youth contributions and achievements in a regional spotlight.

The Year of Youth in Agriculture initiative underscores a commitment to fostering agricultural talent and creating meaningful opportunities for youth to engage with Maine’s food and fiber agriculture community and its future, and we invite all agriculture-related organizations, businesses, and associations to join us in looking for meaningful ways throughout the year to engage with and elevate the perspectives of young people, and to explore the many types of careers that support agriculture in Maine.

“Talking with young people who have a passion for agriculture is always a source of great inspiration,” said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. “This Year of Youth in Agriculture provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their contributions while strengthening their connection to agriculture and its essential role in our future.”

“The Department of Education is committed to empowering Maine’s young people by providing opportunities that connect them with real-world experiences, like those in agriculture,” said DOE Commissioner Pender Makin. “Through partnerships with programs like FFA, 4-H, and initiatives like the Year of Youth in Agriculture, we’re ensuring that students understand the role agriculture plays in our communities and see the endless possibilities for their futures.”

“Supporting engagement in agriculture is about cultivating knowledge, skills, and a sense of purpose that will sustain Maine for generations to come,” said Craig Lapine, Director of the Maine Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources.

“We are excited to help showcase the work and creativity being done by youth across the state on their way to becoming tomorrow’s agricultural leaders,” said Dean Hannah Carter of the 91���� Cooperative Extension. “Through programs like our Agriculture Ambassadors, YOUth Have a Voice, and Oh Yea! 4-H Grows True Leaders, hundreds of Maine youth participate in hands-on activities to learn the skills they need to be engaged community members and innovative contributors to the food systems in Maine and beyond.”

In her official proclamation, Governor Mills highlights the foundational role of agriculture in Maine’s economy and culture, as well as the critical need to encourage and support the next generation of agriculturalists. Read the proclamation on the Governor’s .

Get Involved

Maine’s Year of Youth in Agriculture in 2025 provides an opportunity to align schools, communities, and the agriculture industry in celebrating and empowering young agriculturalists. Follow and , and call (207) 287-7513 for Maine Year of Youth in Agriculture information, including opportunities to get involved. 

Caribou Russets were the most popular potato seed variety in Maine in 2023. The variety was developer by Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES) researcher, Dr. Greg Porter (retired, 2023), through the 91����. The study originally reported by magazine has taken the state by storm appearing in many local publications including , , and . MAFES is continuing its potato breeding program under Dr. Mario Andrade and is excited about developing new varieties in a changing climate to help Maine and worldwide potato industries flourish.

Augusta (August 27, 2024) – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today an investment in Maine’s agricultural sector of more than $600,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awards (SCBGP). This funding will help a diverse group of recipients, including the 91���� System, North Spore, LLC, and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, to drive innovation and create new market opportunities for our state’s specialty crop producers. These grants are crucial in helping our farmers and producers withstand the ongoing and mounting challenges facing the agriculture sector posed by the economy and environment.

“These grants are more than just financial support—they’re a vote of confidence in the ingenuity and dedication of our farmers and researchers,” said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. “We believe in their ability to lead the charge towards a vibrant future for Maine agriculture.”

“We are happy to once again be partnered with Maine on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops and support the region’s specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success.”

The USDA labels as “specialty crops” crops including fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, and flowers that people eat or use directly—as opposed to commodity crops like soy and corn, which are used as ingredients in other products. The SCBGP is important, in part, because specialty crop agriculture is the predominant form of agriculture in Maine. 

 “These funds will be vital to helping our farmers and food producers achieve success and broadening the market for specialty crops in Maine and across the U.S.,” said Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Craig Lapine. “SCBGP supports local and regional projects to help farmers and producers become more competitive now and in the future.” 

Through the SCBGP, the DACF will fund eight impactful projects. These initiatives aim to educate farmers on sustainable and profitable mushroom cultivation, combat disease to protect wild blueberry health, boost apple and potato production and profitability, develop guidelines to extend the harvest window for cut flowers, and enhance food safety. Notable projects in Maine include:

• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association: Maine Produce Safety Improvement and FSMA PSR Education Project. $84,190 
• North Spore, LLC: Development of Multimedia Educational Modules for More Farmers to Access Mushroom Cultivation Using Sustainable Practices. $93,800 
• Dr. Seanna Annis, 91���� System: Mitigating the Effects of Mummy Berry on Wild Blueberry Plant Health. $93,425 
• Dr. Stephanie Burnett, 91���� System: Succession Planting for Locally Grown Cut Flowers. $83,350 
• Dr. Philip Fanning, 91���� System: Connecting Better Wild Blueberry Nutrients for Improved Pollination, Pollinator Health, and Pest Management. $93,490 
• Dr. Peyton Ginakes, 91���� System: Creating a Maine Garlic Integrated Pest Management Program. $51,560 
• Dr. Qing Jin, 91���� System: Increasing Potato Production and Soilborne Disease Suppression by Organic Soil Amendment and Biocontrol Organisms. $81,525 
• Dr. Renae Moran, 91���� System: New Tools for Increasing Apple Production Profitability. $22,965 

DACF will apply $55,807 in funding to ensure awardees abide by federal and state requirements and regulations by working to administer the SCBGP funding. Find more information about current and past SCBG projects on the DACF . 

Typically, DACF releases an SCBGP Request for Proposals in February, with applications due in March or April. Since 2002, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program has awarded more than $7.5 million to DACF to support the growing number of specialty crop producers selling in local and regional markets. 

The funding to Maine is part of a total of $72.9 million in non-competitive FY 2024 funding awarded to 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The funding supports farmers growing specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. USDA’s support will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production, expand markets, and ensure an abundant, affordable supply of highly nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops is available to all Americans.

Warm weather means many farms across Maine will be hosting public access hours and events (check or local farm websites for hours and details). MAFES’ Aroostook, Blueberry Hill, Highmoor, and Rogers farms will all be hosting field days and other opportunities for public access throughout the summer (see our events page for details). Farm visits are an excellent opportunity to take the family out for some fresh air, learn about local agriculture, and enjoy bucolic Maine. However, it is important to remember that you are guests on fully operation farms that your neighbors rely on for their livelihood. Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry provides a list of “Top Ten Farm visit Dont’s” to ensure a safe and respectful farm visit:

1. Don’t Ignore Farm Rules

Every farm has its own set of rules designed to protect both visitors and animals. Ignoring these rules can lead to accidents or disruptions. Always pay attention to and follow the guidelines provided by the farm staff.

2. Don’t Wander Off

Farms can be large and sometimes hazardous areas with machinery, uneven terrain, and restricted zones. Stay within designated areas and follow paths to avoid getting lost or entering dangerous locations.

3. Don’t Feed the Animals Without Permission

Feeding farm animals without permission can harm them, as not all foods are safe for every animal. Always ask the farmer before feeding any animals to ensure it’s secure and appropriate.

4. Don’t Startle the Animals

Sudden movements or loud noises can startle farm animals, causing them stress or triggering defensive behavior. Approach animals calmly and quietly to ensure a safe interaction.

5. Don’t Bring Pets

Bringing your pets to a farm can introduce diseases to the farm animals and create stress or aggressive encounters. Please leave your pets at home unless the farm specifically allows and welcomes them.

6. Don’t Touch Equipment

Farm machinery and tools can be dangerous if handled improperly. Only touch or operate equipment with explicit permission and supervision from farm staff.

7. Don’t Leave Gates Open

Leaving gates open can lead to animals escaping, which can be dangerous and create much work for the farmers. Always close gates behind you unless instructed otherwise.

8. Don’t Litter

Littering can harm animals and damage the environment. Always dispose of your trash properly and carry out what you bring in.

9. Don’t Wear Inappropriate Clothing

Farms can be muddy, dusty, and full of insects. Wear sturdy, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself and ensure a relaxed visit.

10. Don’t Ignore Safety Signs

Safety signs are placed for a reason. Ignoring them can lead to accidents or harm. Remember all posted signs and warnings to keep yourself and others safe.

Following these guidelines ensures a pleasant and respectful farm visit, benefiting you and the farm community. Do bring your sense of adventure and appreciation for exploring these local businesses we all care about.

The Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station has published .

Authors

Description

Bees are crucial to pollination in unmanaged ecosystems and some crops, and their roles are increasingly understood in four states in the Northeastern U.S., abbreviated “NNE” in this paper: Maine (ME), Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH), and Vermont (VT). The four states have in common many native bee and plant species, forest types, and natural communities. They share drought events and risk of wildfire (Irland 2013). They are exposed to many of the same major storms (e.g., hurricanes, Foster 1988), pollution events (Hand et al. 2014), and effects ascribed to climate change (Hayhoe et al. 2008). Beekeeping enterprises (the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, an introduced species) of various sizes exist in each of the states. By including the four states in this review, we hope to better understand wild bee distributions, inspire the expansion of floral resources to support bee populations in a strategic manner, reduce use of pesticides, create pollinator corridors, and protect subtle habitat features such as ground nest sites for solitary bees and patches of native vegetation that are free of invasive plants.

Our objective in this review is to synthesize from a conservation standpoint the state of knowledge regarding bees in NNE, including their diversity, and biology especially as it relates to climate change. We review foraging and nutrition, nest ecology, parasites and parasitoids, native vs. managed bees, and interactions with plants. We then turn our focus to bee habitats, and identify 15 habitat types we find useful for recognizing essential bee resources. We discuss habitat aspects including forest succession, invasive plants, land use alterations, and agriculture including impacts of pesticides, and cover economic aspects of crop-related pollination reservoirs in NNE that demonstrate cost-effectiveness at various scales. We present habitat improvement strategies including passive and active approaches, based on the literature and our experiences in NNE, and we suggest plants for pollinator plantings. Wherever pertinent throughout the text, we highlight threats to bees in our region such as pests and pathogens, pesticides, and habitat loss. Finally, we identify gaps in knowledge that could help in prioritizing directions for future research. We hope this review will be useful to anyone seeking to protect bees and their habitats.

This research project has and will continue to lead to sound recommendations for growers and nurseries based on widespread knowledge of adaptability and performance of fruit trees. To remain competitive, apple growers are replacing older, less productive orchards with new ones planted to new varieties with greater consumer appeal, but also with dwarfing rootstocks that are labor saving and provide a faster recoupment of establishment costs. Apple growers will use labor and land more efficiently leading to a faster return on investment with fewer tree losses. The proposed research will enhance economic viability of farms through improved selection of rootstocks leading to greater production efficiency and improved fruit quality.

Investigator: Moran, R.

���Ծ���:��School of Food and Agriculture

Termination Date: 30-Sep-17