JUNE 2017 SEEDWORLD.COM / 19 TIP after plants with a long nectar tube,” Wilson says. “When it comes to honeybees, they are considered general foragers, but they do have preferences we can try to cater to,” Wilson says, mentioning herbs such as oregano, borage and thyme, as well as aster, lavender hyssop and Gaillardia as favorites. The Right Mix Pollinator mixes are often based on pro- viding as much diversity in plant species selection as possible. “The main thing is to try to get a highly diverse flower mix, with a wide range of flower shapes to attract the widest array of pollinators,” Wilson says. But while diversity is always the goal, other factors are important too, such as the timing and balance of each flower’s bloom. “We need early season to late season blooms to get a broader range of pollen window,” Hunt says. “We also need a mix of annuals and perennials to get a well- established pollinator plot.” Seed quality is also important, or the pollinator plot won’t be successful. “It’s important to work with profes- sional, reputable seed companies because there are a lot of things that can be com- promised. We need viable, clean seeds that have been processed and mixed well,” Hunt says. Diverse seed mixes often include a mix of 30 native wildflowers, which is ideal for many sites, but those mixes tend to cost a little more, so it’s also important to con- sider the project budget. “There are several different options available to suit different budgets. Some lower cost options include mixes with fewer flowers, as well as legumes, or cover crop options. All of those can be good options that are less expensive,” Wilson says. “There are lots of things to consider, so a farm service agent or your seed supplier can help you make those decisions,” she says. Project Plans It’s also important to consider the specific project site. “We need to match the mix to the environment,” Hunt says. While some may consider wildflowers to be less complicated than cash crops to grow, there are still challenges that require forethought. Conditions such as what time of day the area receives sunlight, soil moisture, and soil type are all important to consider before choosing seeds for the pollinator habitat project. “It’s just like picking seed for any other production need. Farmers need to under- stand what’s important and what will give them the most value,” Hunt says. Wilson agrees that choosing plants that suit a particular site is more important than some might believe. “If the flowers you choose don’t grow well in the conditions you have available at the site, even if you have a diverse mix of seeds, the plants won’t perform as they should,” she says. Potential Benefits The potential pollinator and environ- mental benefits increase as the diversity and consideration of wildflower species increases. “There is a big difference when you plant the right mix for your project. I think farmers will see a difference, with more pollinators present, and more types of pollinators,” Wilson says. Other potential benefits can include tar- geting specific pollinators that also improve crop yields for specific commodities. In the future, planting flower species that attract certain pollinators could also be integrated with pest management systems through encouraging the presence wasps or other predators for certain field pests. “The program will continue to evolve and grow as research continues. We are always developing the program,” Hunt says. While it can seem simple to plant a pollinator habitat, to ensure success for your project, you should work with a reputable seed distributor for support. “Syngenta is a science-based com- pany. Just like with any aspect of farming and seed technology, we’re focused on the science and technology behind pol- linator health, and that includes bringing the right mixes with the right attributes to farmers or other collaborators with Operation Pollinator,” Hunt says. SW It’simperativethatasanindustrywetakeaproactiveapproachinprotecting pollinators.operationpollinator.com Diane Wilson is a Colorado-based ecologist with Applewood Seed Company. Liz Hunt serves as Syngenta sustainable solutions lead.