Understanding Bees and Alfalfa Pollination

What is one reason honey bees are considered important in agriculture?

• They provide shade for plants.

• They pollinate crops.

• They are used for pest control.

• They produce silk.

Why is the Walla Walla Valley unique in terms of agriculture?

• It has abundant water supply year-round.

• It relies on alkali bees for alfalfa pollination.

• It grows the most diverse range of crops in the U.S.

• It is the only place where honey bees are banned.

What makes alkali bees more suitable for pollinating alfalfa compared to honey bees?

• They produce more honey.

• They are larger and stronger.

• They are immune to pesticides.

• They can handle the flower's spring-loaded stamens.

What is a 'bee bed' in the context of alkali bee management?

• A natural habitat for all types of bees.

• A hive structure used for honey production.

• A patch of soil maintained for ground-nesting bees.

• A type of flower bed that attracts bees.

How do farmers ensure the soil in bee beds is suitable for alkali bees?

• By adding fertilizers and pesticides.

• By maintaining the right soil moisture and adding salt.

• By planting specific flowers.

• By using artificial lighting.

What economic benefit do alkali bees provide to alfalfa seed farmers?

• They attract tourists to the farms.

• They increase seed yield significantly.

• They reduce the need for pesticides.

• They increase honey production.

What was a major concern regarding the construction of a new highway in the Walla Walla Valley?

• It would increase pollution levels.

• It would disrupt the local water supply.

• It would endanger the low-flying alkali bees.

• It would increase traffic congestion.

How do farmers in Walla Walla Valley protect alkali bees from pesticides?

• By using bee-friendly pesticides.

• By spraying pesticides at night.

• By not using any pesticides at all.

• By using organic pesticides only.

Why have alkali bees not thrived in other alfalfa-growing areas like California?

• Because of higher insecticide exposure.

• Due to unsuitable climate conditions.

• Because they are not native to those areas.

• Due to competition with honey bees.

What is suggested as a way to support native bees like the alkali bee?

• Increasing honey bee populations.

• Diversifying our pollinator portfolio.

• Reducing the number of crops grown.

• Importing more bees from other regions.