Briann Dorin* and Sheila Colla
*York University, 4700 Keele St. Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada 
(briann.dorin@gmail.com)

Bees are essential pollinators of many crops and wild plants, thus holding great economic and environmental importance. However, research has shown declines in various bee taxa due to several threats including habitat loss, climate change, pesticide exposure, and interactions with non-native species. Successful pollinator conservation actions must be determined in lands where threats are likely to occur. This research should be done through collaboration with the land managers responsible for their implementation. This is especially needed in crops that are understudied and underused for their potential pollinator conservation capacity, such as those that are pollinator-independent like the winegrape, Vitis vinifera. This research project aims to determine how wild bees can be best supported in Canadian vineyards. Twenty-four commercial vineyards across the Niagara Region, ON, were surveyed to determine the effects of various vineyard management practices and surrounding landscape factors on wild bee abundance and diversity. Bee communities were sampled monthly throughout the spring and summer using pan traps and netting for two years. The vineyard management practices under investigation included cover cropping, mowing frequencies, and organic versus conventional versus certified sustainable management. Surrounding landscape factors included proximity to and percentage of natural lands, impervious surfaces, and different crop types. Bee responses to these variables will be discussed, as well as future directions including engaging grapegrowers in pollinator conservation and important policy implications.

Funding Support: York University, Entomological Society of Canada