The effect of agri‐environment schemes on Bombus terrestris colony success

• Published in: Ecological entomology 2022-10, Vol.47 (5), p.911-914
• Main Authors: Crowther, Lucy I., Reader, Tom, Gilbert, Francis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: agri‐environment scheme; Aphomia sociella; Bombus terrestris audax; Bumblebees; Colonies; colony success; Farms; Nests; Parasites; Population decline; Population studies; wax moths
• ISSN: 0307-6946; 1365-2311
• DOI: 10.1111/een.13155

As with other species linked to agricultural environments, many bumblebee species are exhibiting significant population declines. This study assesses the success of colonies of Bombus terrestris audax on farms differing in conservation inputs via agri‐environment schemes (AES). B. terrestris audax colonies were placed on farms of three treatments: Conventionally managed, AES Entry‐Level Stewardship (ELS), or AES Higher‐Level Stewardship. Colonies on AES‐compliant farms gained significantly more mass than those on conventional farms, which decreased in mass. Nests on conventional farms were also more likely to become infested by the wax moth Aphomia sociella, followed by ELS‐compliant farms. The results suggest that adopting an AES can increase bumblebee colony success through the production of larger colonies and with greater ability to combat parasite infestations. An experimental study assessing the reproductive success of Bombus terrestris colonies on farms differing in conservation inputs via agri‐environment schemes. Colonies on agri‐environment scheme compliant farms gained significantly more mass than those on conventional farms, which decreased in mass. Colonies on conventional farms showed significantly more macro parasite infestations than those on agri‐environment compliant farms, with high‐level stewardship farms showing the fewest infestations of all.