Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Flower strips can be a helpful tool when it comes to increase pollination, pest control and farmland diversity. Different flower species have different attributes such as colour, odours and depth of the corolla tubes and this determines which beneficial organisms will be attracted to that flower species.
In order to discern which are the most attractive flower species for pollinators in Sweden, we surveyed 30 different plant species in a field trial in Uppland. All the pollinators visiting the flowers were observed and collected. In total 264 hoverflies and 484 bumblebees were collected during the season. The most attractive flower species overall were Phacelia tanacetifolia, Cyanus segetum, Coriandrum sativum and Fagopyrum esculentum. Hoverflies preferred flower species with shorter corolla tubes, such as Coriandrum sativum and Ammi majus, and bumblebees and honeybees preferred flower species with a bit longer corolla tubes such as Trifolium spp. and Vicia sativa. Flower strips can benefit the biological diversity by maintaining natural habitats for different pollinators. By using a broad variation of plant species in flower strips one can benefit ecosystem services such as pollination.