Tree fruit growers have long relied on managed honeybee colonies to pollinate crops, but researchers in Utah are wondering if there's another bee that might better do the job.The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pollinating Insect Research Unit in Logan, Utah, is researching the feasibility of blue orchard bees [Osmia lignaria) to pollinate some tree fruit crops. The bees already are being employed in almond production in California, and research on their use in tart cherries showed promise the past two years. Now, researchers are aiming to expand their efforts to Washington sweet cherries and pears, two crops for which pollination can be a struggle.
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