Rachel E. Mallinger

0000-0003-3782-1710

Attracting Native Bees to Your Florida Landscape

Rachel E. Mallinger, Wayne Hobbs, Anne Yasalonis, and Gary Knox

Pollination of Cucurbita spp. (Squash and Pumpkin) Crops in Florida

Rachel E. Mallinger and Oscar E. Liburd

Bees of Florida

James R. Weaver, Shiala M. Naranjo, Emily Noordyke, Rachel E. Mallinger

Did you know there are over 320 species of bees in Florida and over 4,000 in the United States? Wild bees vary widely in behavior, color, size, and shape. Bees of Florida is a two-page pdf guide to some common bee groups and species you may encounter in Florida.

Bumble Bees of Florida

Joel Neylon, Lionel Stange, T. R. Fasulo, and Rachel Mallinger

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Sweat Bees, Halictid Bees, Halictidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Katie Buckley, Catherine Zettel Nalen, Jamie D. Ellis, and Rachel E. Mallinger

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Florida’s Bee Species of Greatest Conservation Need

Walker Bensch and Rachel Mallinger

This Extension publication was created to raise awareness among the public of the diversity of Florida’s bees and their life histories. Additionally, this publication synthesizes the current information available on each bee species of conservation concern for quick reference by researchers and land managers interested in efforts to conserve these species.

Pollination Best Practices in Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Rachel E. Mallinger and Douglas A. Phillips

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Strategies to Increase the Adoption of Residential Pollinator Gardening: Tackling Perceived Barriers

Colby Silvert, Laura A. Warner, John Diaz, Cody Gusto, and Rachel Mallinger

Urbanization and development of managed landscapes can harm pollinators by reducing flowers and vegetation and increasing exposure to chemicals. However, research shows that urban, developed landscapes can be designed and maintained to successfully provide habitats for diverse, healthy pollinator populations, including bees. Therefore, a major opportunity and need exist for residents, particularly those living in urban areas, to support bees and other pollinators by adopting pollinator gardening in their landscapes. Based on recent research about significant barriers and solutions, this publication intends to guide Extension agents and other practitioners on how to best encourage and facilitate adoption of pollinator gardening by addressing residents’ perceptions.

Miner Bee, Chimney Bee Anthophora abrupta Say

Jason R. Graham, Jamie D. Ellis, Harlan G. Hall, Catherine M. Zettel Nalen, and Rachel E. Mallinger

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Barriers and Opportunities for Pollinator Gardening in Homeowners’ Associations

Laura A. Warner, Colby Silvert, John Diaz, Cody Gusto, Rachel Mallinger

Pollinator gardening has rapidly become recognized as an important component of conservation to combat the issues that have resulted from rapid urbanization. Residential yards can support pollinators and help to restore their habitats. Thus, an opportunity exists for Extension and other practitioners to encourage greater engagement in pollinator gardening. However, research has indicated unique perceived barriers exist among residents in homeowners’ associations (HOAs). By focusing on perceived barriers, Extension and other practitioners can encourage positive adoption changes among residents and HOA stakeholders. Findings in this article suggest many HOA dwellers are unsure whether they are permitted to engage in pollinator gardening, and they may perceive that this approach to landscaping is incompatible with neighborhood norms. These barriers must be addressed at the resident and HOA leadership levels  to help more people engage in gardening to support pollinators.

Benefits of Mixed Cultivar Plantings for Cross-Pollination in Blueberry: A Guide to Maximize Yields

Clement Larue, Stan Chabert, Doug Phillips, and Rachel Mallinger

The purpose of this publication is to provide Florida blueberry growers with information on the benefits of cross-pollination in southern highbush blueberry production systems and advice on how to plant a highly productive orchard optimized for cross-pollination and fruit production.

A Guide to Selecting and Using Pesticides During the Blueberry Pollination Period: How Can We Reduce Risk to Pollinators?

Rachel E. Mallinger, John J. Ternest, and Douglas A. Phillips

This publication provides blueberry growers strategies for choosing and applying fungicides and insecticides during bloom so as to minimize harm to pollinators. Insect pollinators, particularly wild and managed bees, are necessary to achieve adequate fruit set in blueberries. Without insect pollinators, berries may form, but they will be significantly smaller and misshapen and will take longer to ripen than bee-pollinated berries. Managed bees, wild bees, and other insect pollinators are susceptible to pesticides, especially when applied during bloom when pollinators are foraging in blueberry fields. Growers thus must balance disease and pest protection with pollinator protection. This publication provides information on the toxicity to pollinators and residual activity of insecticides and fungicides used during blueberry bloom, and strategies for minimizing pollinator exposure.

Blue Orchard Bee, Osmia lignaria Say (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Alden Estep, Catherine Zettel-Nalen, and James Ellis

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Giant Resin Bee Megachile sculpturalis (Smith) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Kristen C. Stevens, Cameron J. Jack, and James D. Ellis

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.