Pollination-dependent crops such as apples rely on both managed and wild pollinators to achieve high-quality yields. However, low tolerance for pest and disease damage in these high-value crops often leads to intensive pesticide use, posing risks to beneficial insects. To address this challenge, we partnered with fifteen commercial apple growers to implement a reduced-spray Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) program aimed at balancing pest control and pollinator conservation. In spring 2025, we conducted a side-by-side assessment of each grower’s IPPM block and a conventionally managed block. Preliminary results show that wild bee visitation to apple blossoms was 36% higher in IPPM blocks compared to conventional counterparts. These findings suggest that reducing pesticide inputs during bloom can enhance wild bee activity, however effects on pest management are not yet known. Our ongoing work integrates expertise in quantitative ecology, bee systematics, analytical chemistry, pesticide risk assessment, apple pest and disease management, and farm economics to evaluate the broader consequences of IPPM adoption. Specifically, we are investigating how changes in pesticide use influence pollinator communities, pollination services, yield, and economic returns. This collaborative research highlights a promising pathway for aligning pollinator health with sustainable pest management in commercial apple production. Results from this study will inform practical, science-based recommendations for growers seeking to reduce pesticide risks while maintaining profitability and crop quality.
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