NEWS HIGHLIGHTS New Utah Pests Fact Sheets: Hobo SpiderPeach Twig Borer Sod Webworms White Grubs Yellowjackets, Hornets and Paper Wasps Lab in Transition The UPPDL loses yet another excellent diagnostician. Julie Jenkins, our Plant Pathology Diagnostician, will no longer be with the lab, but instead will be enjoying time with her family. We wish her well. In the meantime, we are in the process of looking for a replacement. UTAH PESTS Staff Diane Alston Ryan Davis Kent Evans (No longer at USU) Erin Frank (No longer at USU) Erin Hodgson (No longer at USU) Marion Murray Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab Utah Pests News is published quarterly by the UTAH PESTS staff. |
Common and Native Flowering Plants Attractive to Native Bees and Beneficial InsectsElevated concern for the loss of honeybee populations due to Colony Collapse Disorder and associated stresses caused by loss of habitat and other factors leave us to ponder how humans can improve the habitat and food resources for the numerous species of native bees and beneficial insects in Utah. A major resource required by native pollinators and beneficial insects is an abundant and quality source of flower nectar and pollen. High quality nectar serves as an excellent carbohydrate source while pollen can provide supplemental protein when prey are scarce, and supports reproduction and development of progeny (e.g., native bees provision their young with pollen and sometimes nectar). By planting common and native flowering plants that produce high quality nectar and pollen in urban landscapes and agricultural areas, populations of native bees and beneficial insects will be enhanced, which will in turn enhance crop production and reduce the need for chemicals to manage insect pests. The table below provides recommendations for plants attractive to native bees. Table of common native plants attractive to pollinators.
Additional information on suitable plants and native bee research can be found on the USDA Bee Biology and systematics Laboratory Web site. Click here for additional information on alternative pollinators to the honeybee.
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