Employees

Biodiversity in vineyards has come under increasing pressure due to the extensive use of plant protection products and frequent mowing and mulching of traffic lanes. As a result, perennial, species-rich flower strips have been developed for vineyards to promote biodiversity there (Links: Beneficial insect strips, Resource Project). The native floral offerings and habitat provide an important basis for promoting beneficial insects such as wild bees, hoverflies, and beetles. However, it remains unclear what significance the sown areas have in practice for pollinators. This master's thesis aims to investigate the impact of sown flower strips on the diversity and abundance of wild bees in vineyards, as compared to vineyards with spontaneous vegetation. Specifically, the project seeks to answer two key research questions: 1) Is the species diversity and abundance of wild bees higher in vineyards with flower strips? 2) What is the correlation between the availability of floral resources and the abundance and species diversity of wild bees? 3) How does the proportion of biodiversity promotion areas in the vicinity affect the abundance and diversity of wild bees in vineyards? To address these questions, a multi-methodological approach will be employed. Initially, a comprehensive literature review will be undertaken to establish a theoretical foundation for the study. Following this, insect monitoring will be conducted using traps or nets in various vineyards across different cantons. Fieldwork will involve the identification and counting of floral offerings available in the vineyards, as well as insect identification to quantify and categorize the species of wild bees present. Data collected will be rigorously analyzed using the R programming language, with a focus on evaluating the relationship between floral offerings and wild bee abundance and diversity. The culmination of this research will be a written thesis, which may also be prepared for publication. Through this study, we aim to generate insights that could contribute to biodiversity conservation strategies, specifically tailored for vineyard ecosystems.