D3278: Interactive effects of climate and chemical stressors on important pollinators

Pollinators are essential for ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity, yet they face increasing threats from climate change and agrochemical exposure. This study aims to explore the interactive effects of elevated temperatures and pesticides on bumble bees’ (Bombus impatiens) ability to buzz pollinate and collect pollen and assess how this impacts fruit quality in the buzz-pollinated crop, tomatoes. Bumble bee microcolonies will be exposed to either combined heat and pesticide stressors, individual stressors, or no stressor control. We will assess buzz pollination by measuring peak buzz frequency, amplitude, and buzz duration while bees forage on tomato plants, and afterwards collect their pollen loads. We will assess tomato quality by measuring fruit set, weight, and seeds per fruit. It is hypothesized that pesticide, and combined heat and pesticide stressors will reduce buzz pollination performance, pollen load, and tomato quality. We anticipate results will show a significant negative interaction between heat and pesticides on bumble bees’ foraging behavior. This research will advance our understanding of how anthropogenic stressors are affecting bees within agricultural systems and will inform conservation strategies and sustainable practices on working lands.