Pollinator ResearchJonathan Giacomini
2017 The Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship
Jonathan Giacomini is a PhD candidate in the Zoology Program at North Carolina State University. His project is titled “Can Helianthus Heal Bees? Management of Bumblebee Parasites with Sunflower Pollen Supplements.” His research investigates the role of floral resources in shaping the ecology and evolution of pollinator diseases. Pollen plays an important role in bee health
by providing essential nutrients, but varies tremendously in chemical content between plant species. His preliminary lab results suggest that certain pollen species may have disproportional effects on bee diseases. His field study will examine the impact of medicinal floral resources on the management of bee parasites using techniques that can be adapted for conservation and management.
The Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship
To provide funding to study the causes of pollinator decline, in particular bees, bats, butterflies, and moths, which could lead to potential solutions for their conservation and sustainability.
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