OOS 83-5
The effect of urban landscapes on pollinators and yield in urban gardens in southeastern Michigan
Urban landscapes often change pollinator communities, but whether these changes affect urban food production is unclear. This study asked whether changes in urban bee abundance, richness and diversity impact food production in urban gardens. Changes in bee (Apoidea: Anthophila) communities were compared with lima bean (Fabaceae Phaseolus lunatus) production in 23 gardens spanning an urban gradient across southeastern Michigan, U.S.A. Bees were sampled with pan traps and netting, and lima bean flowers were subjected to one of two potential treatments: blocked from or accessible to bees.
Results/Conclusions
Gardens located in intermediately urban landscapes showed highest bee abundance, which appeared to contribute to higher lima bean production when pollinators were allowed access to flowers. Further analysis will determine whether changes in pollinator richness and diversity impact food production along the urban gradient. If changes in pollinator communities are found to negatively affect urban food production, the creation of pollinator friendly habitat should be included in urban agriculture initiatives.