25 November, 2016

Criticism mismatched: Response to de Keyzer et al. 2016


by Miller-Struttmann et al.

Bombus sylvicola forages on Trifolium .  A Photo credit: J. Geib
Recent bee declines have been widely publicized, alarming many in the public and scientific community. In their critique of our 2015 study on bumble bee tongue length evolution, de Keyzer et al. (2016) express concern that our results will be used to support laissez faire conservation. In our response, we clarify that we do not advocate for reliance on evolution to conserve bees. 


Read the whole summary in: English!
Read the scientific publication in JPE.
 

23 November, 2016

Floral longevity, nectar production, pollen release, and stigma receptivity in Haskap



by Frier et al.
Syrphid flies on Haskap flowers (Photo by A. Crosby)

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.: Caprifoliaceae) is a cold hardy, early flowering shrub that is grown commercially throughout northern areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. It produces edible blue fruit that have a sweet, tart flavour and are now being used in a variety of food products in addition to being eaten fresh. As a result, its popularity as a crop is on the rise, particularly within the Canadian prairies. Haskap needs insect pollinators in order to produce fruit, but very little is currently known about its pollination biology. 



Read the whole summary in: English.
Read the scientific publication in JPE.