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Behavioral Responses of the Bumblebee Bombus terrestris to Volatile Compounds from Blueberries

Yun He,Jiaru Zhang,Ziyang Hu,Yingxue Cao,Kevin H. Mayo,Duo Liu,M. E

Published 2025 in Biology

ABSTRACT

Simple Summary Blueberries rely on insects to carry pollen between flowers, but natural pollination is often too low to ensure high fruit yields. This study explored which floral scents attract buff-tailed bumblebees, the most effective pollinators of this crop. We collected air samples from around blueberry blossoms and found 32 different fragrance compounds, with two scents, linalool and styrene, being the most common. We then tested how the bees reacted to these scents by measuring their antennal signals and observing their choices in a simple maze. The bees were drawn to low levels of certain sweet, plant-based alcohols, while high amounts of some sharp-smelling chemicals turned them away. These results identify the key scents that guide bees to flowers and open the door to creating natural sprays that can safely draw more pollinators to blueberry fields. Such sprays could help farmers produce larger harvests and higher-quality fruit without relying on harmful chemicals, supporting both agriculture and the environment.

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