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The effect of agri-environment schemes on Bombus terrestris colony success

Crowther, Lucy I.; Reader, Tom; Gilbert, Francis

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Authors

Lucy I. Crowther

TOM READER TOM.READER@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Associate Professor

Francis Gilbert



Abstract

As with other species linked to agricultural environments, many bumblebee species are exhibiting significant population declines. This study assesses the success of colonies of Bombus terrestris audax on farms differing in conservation inputs via agri-environment schemes (AES). B. terrestris audax colonies were placed on farms of three treatments: Conventionally managed, AES Entry-Level Stewardship (ELS), or AES Higher-Level Stewardship. Colonies on AES-compliant farms gained significantly more mass than those on conventional farms, which decreased in mass. Nests on conventional farms were also more likely to become infested by the wax moth Aphomia sociella, followed by ELS-compliant farms. The results suggest that adopting an AES can increase bumblebee colony success through the production of larger colonies and with greater ability to combat parasite infestations.

Citation

Crowther, L. I., Reader, T., & Gilbert, F. (2022). The effect of agri-environment schemes on Bombus terrestris colony success. Ecological Entomology, 47(5), 911-914. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.13155

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 19, 2022
Online Publication Date May 5, 2022
Publication Date 2022-10
Deposit Date Sep 6, 2022
Publicly Available Date Sep 6, 2022
Journal Ecological Entomology
Print ISSN 0307-6946
Electronic ISSN 1365-2311
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 47
Issue 5
Pages 911-914
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/een.13155
Keywords Insect Science; Ecology
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/8049873
Publisher URL https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/een.13155

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