Distribution of a model biocontrol agent (Serenade® MAX ) in apple and pear by mason bees and bumble bee s

Biocontrol agents (BCAs) are commonly sprayed on flowering pipfruit trees to prevent them from getting infected by various pathogens. By entomovectoring, BCAs can be directly delivered onto the flowers. However, we currently lack knowledge on the distribution dynamics of BCAs by pollinators. Here, managed bees, both bumble bees ( Bombus terrestris ) and mason bees ( Osmia bicornis and Osmia cornuta ), were placed in the vicinity of flowering...