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Companion planting to attract pollinators increases the yield and quality of strawberry fruit in gardens and allotments
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 21:11 authored by Janine Griffiths-Lee, Beth NichollsBeth Nicholls, Dave GoulsonDave Goulson1. Global pollinator declines have led to concern that crop yields might fall as a result of a pollination deficit. Companion planting is a traditional practice thought to increase yield of insect pollinated crops by planting a co-flowering species next to the crop. 2. Using a combination of conventional researcher-led experiments and observational citizen scientist data, we tested the effectiveness of bee-friendly borage (Borago officinalis) as a companion plant to strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Insect visitors to the ‘Test’ (strawberry + borage) versus ‘Control’ (strawberry only) plants were observed, and strawberry fruit collected. Strawberries collected during the researcher-led experiment were also subject to fruit measurements and assessments of market quality. 3. Companion plants were found to significantly increase both yield and market quality of strawberries, suggesting an increase in insect pollination per plant. Test strawberries companion planted with borage produced an average of 35% more fruits, and 32% increased yield by weight. Test strawberry plants produced significantly more fruit of higher aesthetic quality when assessed by Marketing Standards for Strawberries. 4. Although there was no significant difference in the overall insect visits, when broken down by broad insect group there were significantly more flies visiting the test strawberries than controls. 5. These results could have implications for both gardeners and commercial growers. As consumers prefer a cosmetically perfect fruit, the production of fruit with increased aesthetics aids food waste reduction.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Ecological EntomologyISSN
0307-6946Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Sussex Sustainability Research Programme Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-05-05First Open Access (FOA) Date
2020-05-05First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-05-05Usage metrics
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