Resources and information
Here you will find useful resources and press articles related to our projects and research. Some resources may only be available in French, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to know more.
Greenhouse pollination, what an organization!
The pollination of crops in greenhouses requires the use of commercial hives of bumblebees (Bombus spp.). They are often carriers of diseases, which will be transmitted to wild bees, several species of which are already endangered.
In addition, these commercial bumblebees, often limited by the diversity of food available in the greenhouse, can develop behavioral disorders, reducing pollination efficiency.
​
Solutions exist!
​
Sunflower has medicinal properties for bees, including bumble bees
Research carried out by Prof. Lynn Adler's team has shown that sunflower pollen has medicinal value allowing honey bees (Apis mellifera) and bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) to heal, by getting rid of important intestinal parasites. But there are other plants with medicinal properties, such as thyme, purple digitalis or even linaria. Those plants, however, are not native to Northern America. Our research will now seek to identify native plants with similar properties. We are for instance investigating the medicinal values of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), which belongs to the same family than the sunflower, or of the Canadian impatiens (Impatiens canadensis)
​
Sources (EN):
In pollinators' boots
Pollinators are essential for agriculture and our food security. The production of our fruits, vegetables, seeds (strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, sunflowers ...) depend on pollinators. In Canada, 70% of the pollination work is done by bees ... mostly wild bees!
​
​
(c) Poster: Solange Barrault & Mathilde Tissier
Did you know that dandelion is actually not that bee friendly?
Listen to the story by Chantal Srivastava who questions scientists on the subject (FR).
An article by Sheilla Colla, professor at York University, is also available here.