Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/F523342/1

Application of the Bumblebee Foraging Pheromone for Commercial Greenhouse Pollination

Principal Investigator:: Professor L Chittka, Queen Mary University of London, Sch of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor N Raine, University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor J Osborne, University of Exeter, Ecology and Conservation
Grant held at:: Queen Mary University of London, Sch of Biological and Chemical Sciences

ENRIs:: Natural Resource Management
Science Topics:: Environment & Health; Behavioural Ecology; Environmental biotechnology

Abstract:: Almost 1 million bumblebee colonies are bought each year to pollinate greenhouse crops. However poor bee motivation often leads to reduced pollination success. Building on our results showing that artificial chemicals can be used to increase Bombus terrestris foraging activity in the laboratory, we will elucidate the optimum chemical blend and test its efficacy at increasing pollination levels and crop yield of a commercially important crop (tomatoes) in greenhouse conditions. Having established our artificial foraging recruitment pheromone effectively mimics the natural bumblebee system to communicate the presence of food outside the nest, we will develop a cost-effective automatic system to dispense pheromone into bumblebee nests at timed intervals. To increase global applicability of this innovative technology to maximise crop yields, we will determine the components of the recruitment pheromone of Bombus impatiens, the species used exclusively for greenhouse pollination in the USA.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £98,149

DI - Other Costs	Indirect - Indirect Costs	DA - Investigators	DA - Estate Costs	DI - Staff	DI - T&S
£19,360	£31,108	£4,801	£7,436	£33,297	£2,149

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