When it comes to pollination, most of us envision honeybees. Certainly, they are fantastic honey collectors, but not many realize that their efficiency in pollinating flowers isn't as high compared to wild bees and bumblebees. While wild bee breeding techniques are just gaining traction, bumblebees have been used in agronomy for over three decades.
Why are bumblebees effective in pollination?
Bumblebees are motivated towards collecting pollen rather than nectar, as is the case with bees. This ensures intensive contact with flowers, heightening the likelihood of successful pollination. Their ability to create an electrostatic charge during flight also aids in pollen attraction.
Other advantages of bumblebees include:
- They are active at lower temperatures, starting from +5°C.
- Bumblebees can work even in overcast conditions when bees are less active.
- They withstand winds up to 70 km/h.
- Their ability to buzz-pollinate boosts the quality of pollination for certain crops.
- Due to their larger size and fuzzy bodies, bumblebees are more efficient pollen carriers.
- They work from sunrise to sunset.
- They are less sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, suitable for working in plastic greenhouses.
- Bumblebees focus on working closer to their hive, enhancing pollination efficiency.
- They are peaceable, facilitating their use alongside farmworkers.
Standards for using bumblebees:
A standard bumblebee hive contains 60-80 worker bees. Settlement rates vary depending on the crop.
Precautionary measures:
Pesticides pose a significant threat to bumblebees, so their hives should be sealed or moved when these chemicals are in use.
Concluding Remarks:
Understanding and cooperating with living organisms in agronomy can be the key to achieving more ecological and productive farming approaches.
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