Flies are important pollinators of mass-flowering caraway and respond to landscape and floral factors differently from honeybees

Non-bee insects have been identified as important crop pollinators globally. However, strategies to protect and enhance pollination usually focus on supporting bees. This study examined the effects of landscape structure, location within field, floral resources pollinators’ visits mass-flowering caraway (Carum carvi L.) in boreal farmland, yield. Pollinator flowers were monitored yield measured 30 fields at landscapes ranging from field-dominated forest-dominated landscapes. Hoverflies most abundant flower-visitors caraway, followed by honeybees. other flies made more flower than all bee species combined. groups differed their responses local factors. Flies near field edges with high forest cover. Non-syrphid solitary bees responded positively cover flowering herbs adjacent margins. Flower honeybees, instead, related fields. Caraway seed increased increasing number hoverflies together. exclusion reduced fruit set (i.e. fruits per flower) 13% 40%. Our is first report importance where an export crop. The results highlight need taking habitat requirements into account when developing pollination.