Work

The floral volatile methyl salicylate influences pollinators and pollination at multiple spatial scales

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Floral volatile compounds such as methyl salicylate (MeSA) can enhance pollination services by attracting pollinators, but their effectiveness may depend on local farm management and landscape context. We hypothesized that MeSA’s effects on pollinator activity and pollination are influenced by field- and landscape-level factors in a pollinator-dependent agroecosystem—the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Over two years, we assessed pollinator attraction and pollination using MeSA-baited and unbaited traps and cages, respectively, across five cultivars on three commercial cranberry farms in New Jersey, USA. We sampled managed honey bees (Apis mellifera) and wild pollinators, and measured berry count, volume, and mass to estimate yield, while quantifying pesticide use and landscape configuration within 100, 250, 500, and 1500 m buffer zones. MeSA increased total pollinator captures, particularly A. mellifera and syrphid flies (Toxomerus marginatus), and enhanced yield. Fungicides reduced A. mellifera, especially in unbaited traps, while insecticides interacted positively with MeSA to increase yield. MeSA effects varied by cultivar, with ‘Crimson Queen’ showing greater T. marginatus abundance and larger berries. At 1500 m, more waterbody patches increased MeSA’s positive effects on pollinator visitation and berry metrics, whereas increased edge length reduced these benefits across scales. MeSA also interacted with forest and wetland cover to support higher T. marginatus counts. Overall, MeSA improved pollinator visitation and pollination services in cranberry, but its efficacy was context-dependent, shaped by both local management practices and landscape structure. These findings suggest that floral volatiles like MeSA can be used to enhance pollination services under specific agroecological conditions.

Source: Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2025.110019

Authors: Yahel Ben-Zvi, Toviah Bass, Cesar Rodriguez-Saona

Institution: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Language: English

Topic: Plant and animal studies

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,190