Pollen Production and Nutrient Composition in Two Northern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars: Implications for Pollinator Nutrition

Priyadarshini Chakrabarti (), Lauren Baugus, Ethan Eaton, Nathalie A. Steinhauer and Ramesh R. Sagili
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Priyadarshini Chakrabarti: Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection, Mississippi State University, 100 Old Highway 12, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
Lauren Baugus: Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection, Mississippi State University, 100 Old Highway 12, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
Ethan Eaton: Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection, Mississippi State University, 100 Old Highway 12, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
Nathalie A. Steinhauer: Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Agricultural & Life Sciences Building, 2750 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Ramesh R. Sagili: Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Agricultural & Life Sciences Building, 2750 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: Specialty crops like blueberries depend heavily on pollinators, particularly bees, for enhanced fruit set and optimized yield. The Northern highbush blueberry, widely cultivated in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, includes several key cultivars such as ‘Duke’ and ‘Elliott’. Given that pollination efficiency is directly linked to the availability and quality of pollen, understanding the pollen production of these cultivars is critical for optimizing pollination strategies and maximizing fruit yield throughout the growing season. Additionally, as bees depend on floral resources like nectar and pollen for their nutrition, the nutritional quality of pollen from these blueberry cultivars plays a key role in supporting healthy bee populations. This study compares key pollen parameters, including production and nutritional quality, between the ‘Duke’ and ‘Elliott’ cultivars. ‘Elliott’ produced nearly twice the amount of pollen per flower by weight compared to ‘Duke’. Both cultivars showed relatively low pollen protein content and comparable pollen lipid levels. The analysis of phytosterol composition revealed significant differences between the cultivars. This study contributes to a more detailed understanding on the quantitative and qualitative differences in pollen, and ultimately provides insights that can inform cultivation practices and enhance overall blueberry production.

Keywords: Vaccinium corymbosum; pollination; pollen quantity; pollen quality; pollen nutrition; honey bee; native bee; phytosterols (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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