BEE VECTORING

Compared to conventional applications such as spray or dusting, apivectoring offers an incredibly efficient way to distribute biological control agents to flowering crops as the bees deliver directly to the flower, which eventually becomes fruit (Figures 1&2). Which type of bee is best suited for the apivectoring (e.g. honey bees, bumblebees, or mason bees) depends on many factors, including the type of crop, field or greenhouse conditions, or temperature at blooming. Given the benefits of apivectoring to protect against crop pests without leading to pesticideresistant populations, we will surely see more research solving some of the remaining challenges that are preventing apivectoring frtm reaching its full potential in both conventional and organic farming systems To learn more, please contact the International Organisation for Biological Control (IOBC), the International Commission for Plant Pollinator Relations (ICPPR; https://www.icppr. com/), the Kevan Lab weosite (link) or visit 2020 Bee Vectoring page.