HARNESSING THE CHEMISTRY OF FLOWERS TO INCREASE YIELD VIA INCREASED POLLINATOR SERVICES: THE CASE OF BLUEBERRY CROP

1. Determine the chemical composition of nectar and pollen collected from cultivated blueberries cultivars.2. Assess whether and how nitrogen fertilization affects the chemical composition of nectar and pollen.3. Determine the degree of dependence of pollinator flower visitation on the assortment of nectar and pollen metabolites.4. Estimate the contribution of the chemistry of floral traits, pollinator visitation, and nitrogen fertilization on fruit set and size.5. Leverage knowledge to advance competitive and collaborative research proposals.6. Disseminate results to growers and blueberry breeders.