Through their VegNET NSW vegetable industry extension project, Greater Sydney Local Land Services are working with Dr Lena Schmidt from the University of New England (UNE) to study the pollination of the zucchinis, pumpkins, and other vegetables in the cucurbit family. Australian farmers predominantly rely on the European honeybee for pollination of their cucurbit crops, and with threats like Varroa mite, researchers are examining other insects like native bees, ants and flies to see if they could replace honeybees.
Surveys in the Hunter and Hawkesbury regions by UNE have shown that some native insects are capable of assisting in pollination efforts but not to the levels that honeybees currently provide. VegNET and UNE are working to identify alternative pollinators to build more resilient farming systems.
