When it comes to pollination, most of us envision honeybees. Indeed, they are excellent honey collectors, but not many are aware that their efficiency in pollinating flowers isn't as high as that of wild bees and bumblebees. While breeding techniques for wild bees are just gaining traction, bumblebees have been used in agronomy for over three decades.
Why are bumblebees effective in pollination?
A bumblebee's primary motivation is to collect pollen, not nectar as is the case with bees. This ensures intensive contact with flowers, thus boosting the likelihood of successful pollination. Their ability to generate an electrostatic charge during flight also aids in attracting pollen.
Other advantages of bumblebees:
- They are active at low temperatures, starting from +5°C.
- Bumblebees can work even on overcast days when honeybees are less active.
- They can withstand winds up to 70 km/h.
- Their ability to extract pollen through body vibration enhances the quality of pollination for some crops.
- Owing to their larger size and fuzzy body, bumblebees are more effective pollen carriers.
- They work from sunrise to sunset.
- They are less sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, making them suitable for working in plastic greenhouses.
- They tend to work closer to their hive, which enhances the effectiveness of pollination.
- They are peaceable, facilitating their usage alongside workers.
Bumblebee application standards:
A standard bumblebee hive consists of 60-80 workers. Settling standards vary depending on the crop.
Precautionary measures:
Pesticides pose a significant threat to bumblebees, so when using them, the bumblebee hive should be closed or relocated.
In conclusion:
Understanding and collaborating with living organisms in agronomy can be the key to adopting more ecological and productive approaches in agriculture.
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