Date of Award
5-2025
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Name
Biology, M.A.
Department
Biology
Advisor
Dr. Robert Warren, II
Department Home page
https://biology.buffalostate.edu/
First Reader
Dr. Robert Warren, II
Second Reader
Dr. Chris Pennuto
Third Reader
Dr. Stephen Vermette
Abstract
Pollination is an essential mutualistic interaction between plants and animals. Often agricultural crops rely on successful pollination to provide profitable and nutrient rich harvests. Successful pollination requires synchrony between flowers and pollinators. Western New York with its proximity to the Great Lakes has benefited as a Climate refugia; however, recent climate change and increased temperature variation have threatened regional fruit crops. In this thesis, I explored the synchrony between native pollinators, non-native pollinators, and apple flowering along a coastal to inland gradient for farms in Niagara County. I measured temperature, evaluated apple flower phenology, and harvested pollinators during the Spring of 2024. I found some guilds of native pollinators responded better than others. Additionally, I found seasonal timing was a primary driver for temperature change, pollinator activity, and apple flowering as compared to distance from Lake.
Recommended Citation
Armstrong, Joe, "Pollination synchrony along a Great Lakes thermal gradient" (2025). Biology Theses. 56.
https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/biology_theses/56
