Pollination plays a pivotal role in the formation of fruits and seeds. In the context of open field crop cultivation, effective pollination is key to bountiful harvests and sustainable agriculture.
In open field environments, bees are among the most efficient and reliable pollinators. Their foraging activities enable the cross-pollination of plants, increasing genetic diversity, and promoting robust crop growth.
Bumblebees in particular are nature’s best pollinators for open field crops, like cherries, apples and pears. These crops significantly improve both fruit set and quality. They are robust and carry out their valuable work even in unfavorable weather conditions, low temperatures and low light intensities. Bumblebees visit up to two times more flowers and transfer up to 2,7 times more pollen than honeybees to give growers a flying start to optimal pollination.
Advantages of bumblebees in open field
In the realm of outdoor crop pollination, both honeybees and bumblebees are commonly employed by growers. However, these two pollinators differ significantly in various aspects, including appearance, food requirements, lifespan, communication, and, notably, pollination efficiency.
Bumblebees, with their larger bodies and distinctive characteristics, offer several advantages over honeybees in enhancing pollination outcomes:
Pollen-carrying capacity
The pollen-carrying capacity of bumblebees is notably superior, depositing approximately 2.7 times more pollen per flower compared to honeybees. This abundance of pollen proves instrumental in promoting robust pollination and contributes to the development of more uniform and larger fruits and vegetables, ultimately leading to increased yields.
Adaptability to weather conditions
Bumblebees exhibit an impressive adaptability to diverse weather conditions due to their ability to regulate body temperature. This unique feature allows them to remain active across a broader range of temperatures, making them particularly effective pollinators even during cool and wet weather conditions when honeybees may exhibit reduced activity.
Outdoor crops pollination
Short flowering crops
Plums, peaches, apricots and almond trees are some short flowering open field crops. The effective period for pollination and fruit set only lasts a few weeks. During this crucial time, efficient and active pollinators, such as bumblebees, are a must. The best pollination takes place early at morning, hence the use of bumblebees, whom are early risers, is recommended.
Natupol Booster is developed for crops with a short (one to four weeks) intensive blossom period and which produce a lot of nectar. For early blossoming crops Natupol Trio with extra insulation is a better choice.
Long flowering crops
These crops, such as apples, pears or avocados, characterized by extended blooming periods, provide continuous nectar and pollen resources, ensuring bumblebees have access to sustenance throughout their entire activity cycle.
Tripol, which contains 3 large number colonies is the best choice for long flowering crops.
Outdoor crops pollination advice
Achieving optimal pollination in outdoor crops is vital for ensuring abundant yields and healthy, thriving plants. Our advice is designed to empower growers like you with valuable insights and proven strategies to promote effective pollination. By following our recommendations, you can unlock the full potential of nature's pollinators and witness remarkable improvements in your crop productivity.