Our grand challenge addresses the decline in Apis mellifera populations and proposes a solution for preserving this species of pollinator by providing them with a more nutritious diet. As a team, we have conducted research to identify four plants that show potential for providing bees with novel health benefits. The four plants we chose to research and experiment with were sunflowers, lavenders, almond trees and sainfoin. We also established a new concept called “plant pairings” which we hope to contribute to farmers, beekeepers and scientists alike in identifying ways to improve bee health and provide a greater variety of plants in which bees can derive nutrients from.

Addressing the Decline in Pollinator Populations Poster