Rachael Winfree, assistant professor, entomology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, investigates the ecological value of bees and how global change affects bees and the way they pollinate. Her research on pollination across various types of landscapes is funded by the National Science Foundation. She also works with the Natural Resources Conservation Service of New Jersey to restore pollinator habitat on farmland. Recently the primary agricultural pollinator, the domesticated honey bee(Apis mellifera) has faced a decline in population, which could potentially cause declines in food production all over the world. Honey bee health problems have generated increased interest in the roughly 4,000 wild bee species native to the United States – some of which are important crop pollinators. Winfree recently discussed the importance of bees for crop pollination with FOCUS.

 FOCUS: Do you consider yourself a bee advocate?

Winfree: I’m interested in the role bees play in the ecosystem and the economic value of their activities. My research is primarily on native, wild bee species, which are generally not aggressive. But I think that animals related to the bee, like wasps and hornets, give bees a bad name. During my six-year fieldwork with these bees, I’ve only been stung two to three times.

 FOCUS: How important are bees for crop pollination?

Winfree: Our diet would be pretty boring without bees pollinating crops, because bee pollination is essential for many fruits and vegetables like apples, cranberries, watermelons, and pumpkins. In total, three quarters of our leading world food crops benefit from insect pollination, which accounts for one third of the world food supply in weight.

 FOCUS: You have described the threats that the honey bees face. How close are we to losing important crops because of the bee population declining?

Winfree: The number of honey bee colonies in the United States has decreased by almost 60 percent in the past 60 years, partly because of parasitic mites that damage the honey bees’ health. Currently, honey bees suffer from a mysterious syndrome named Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which has led to a 30 percent loss of colonies during the past two winters (10 to 15 percent loss is normal). The exact cause is unknown, but a virus or bacterium spread by mites could play a role, or the pesticides, in particular a new group of insecticides known as neonicotinoids, which may have negative impacts on bees.

So far, there haven’t been statistically detectable decreases in crop production associated with honey bee problems, because there are more factors than just pollination involved in growing a good crop. But if we get to a situation where pollination is the limiting step, we are in trouble.

 FOCUS: 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 about working at a state school, because I strongly believe in public education.

 FOCUS: What do you do when you don’t work?

Winfree: I enjoy outdoor activities with my 4-year old son, such as hiking and biking. I used to be a jogger and do wildflower gardening. But to be honest, between being a professor and a mom, I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of spare time on my hands.

 FOCUS: What can we do to make our own backyard an attractive place for bees?

Winfree: Don’t overgroom things and keep some plants blooming all year. Bees like plants from the mint family, like sage and many herbs, and also use fruit trees and fall-blooming goldenrod and asters. And of course, keep pesticide use to a minimum.