Are there any alternative methods of crop pollination using honey bees?
Winfee: In some types of agricultural systems there are, including here in New Jersey. I studied watermelon farms in New Jersey, and 65 percent of these farmers rent honey bees to do the pollination. But during my research project I discovered that 62 percent of the pollination is done by about 50 species of native, wild bees. This means that farmers have a backup plan they did not know about before. I also investigated the diversity of the bee population on 40 New Jersey sites and discovered that the diversity was highest near crop fields and in people’s backyards. The fact that some native bees do well in human habitats makes me optimistic that we can conserve native pollinators in New Jersey. FOCUS: How do you feel about your transfer from Princeton via UC Berkeley to Rutgers? Winfree: It feels great to be here. I was actually born near here, in Princeton, and as a graduate student in ecology, I spent one and a half years at Rutgers; and it’s exciting to be back. I also feel good ab
