Michigan State University Extension advised on April 15 that as warmer weather brings the blooming of fruit crops, growers should take steps to protect bees and other pollinators. The organization outlined several measures for minimizing risks to these insects, which are essential for healthy and productive harvests.
The guidance comes at a time when both managed honey bee colonies and wild bees play a critical role in pollinating fruit crops. Pollinators face various threats, particularly from pesticide exposure during the flowering period. Michigan State University Extension emphasized that following pesticide label instructions is crucial and pointed out resources such as “Five Steps to Protect Bees from Pesticides” and the “Protect Pollinators: Read the Label” card for finding information about pollinator safety on pesticide labels.
The extension noted that insecticides are generally most toxic to bees, often leading to restrictions on their use during bloom. Fungicides may have less acute toxicity but can still cause chronic or sublethal effects on bee behavior and lifespan. Herbicides rarely pose direct toxicity but can reduce alternative food sources if all flowering plants are removed from farms. Mixing different pesticides in spray tanks may increase risks due to synergistic effects, making them more harmful when combined.
To further safeguard pollinators, MSU Extension recommended strategies such as monitoring pest populations before spraying, using integrated pest management methods like biological or mechanical controls instead of chemicals where possible, spraying only when bees are not active (such as after sunset or before sunrise), opting for liquid formulations over powders or encapsulated products, employing drift-reduction techniques like nozzle calibration and wind speed control, removing blooming weeds if they could be exposed to spray drift, maintaining communication with beekeepers renting hives, and considering formal pollination contracts.
Additional resources include an online tool developed by the University of California called Bee Precaution Pesticide Ratings for assessing product impacts on bees. Farmers can also access crop-specific materials through the Michigan Pollinator Initiative resource page and enroll in a free online course about protecting pollinators when applying pesticides.
Michigan State University Extension Agriculture addresses challenges in food systems, health outcomes, and environmental sustainability through education and outreach across Michigan according to the official website. It maintains research centers statewide—including facilities like greenhouses and organic farms—and collaborates with AgBioResearch scientists from eight MSU colleges according to its website. In fall 2021 it enrolled 3,735 students across undergraduate through certificate programs according to university data.
Looking ahead, MSU Extension encourages growers not only to minimize risk but also promote bee health by planting non-crop flowering plants in protected areas as refuges for wild bees—an approach that may improve both yield quantity and quality.
