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Bumble bee, Bumble bee, what can you spy for me?

By Andy Wilson

Sep 20, 2024

Researchers are deploying bumble bees equipped with micro radio transmitters and cameras to understand the role that buff-tailed bumble bees play in pollinating crops.

Bumble bees in Tasmania are being geared up with micro radio transmitters and cameras to help scientists uncover their environmental impact and crucial role in crop pollination.

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Delivered through Hort Innovation’s Frontiers investment program and led by Western Sydney University, the $3.3 million initiative will produce a comprehensive large-scale study of the buff-tailed bumble bee.

Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield said this investment was to ensure the horticulture sector was prepared for the future.

“This is a prime example of using breakthrough research to strengthen industry’s readiness for existing and emerging opportunities and threats,” Mr Fifield said.

“With the arrival of varroa mite to the Australian mainland, there is a sense of urgency for industry to explore other potential options for safeguarding crop pollination services across the country.

“This research will expand our knowledge of bumble bees in Tasmania, giving growers another tool in their toolkit.”

The state-of-the-art technology will result in significantly more comprehensive insights than were previously available.

Radio transmitters will be used to discover the daily foraging habits of bumble bee queens in different agricultural and natural landscapes. Researchers say the transmitters will be easily recovered.

Tomato grower Anthony Brandsema said local growers welcomed the start of this research.

“The insights generated by this research will be invaluable to growers across Tasmania looking to boost pollination on their farms,” Mr Brandsema said.