Feature
Bee collecting pollen . Photo : Andreas Trepte
However , a flowering field of canola provides a nutritious and attractive source of food for bees , so represents stiff competition if it flowers at the same time as the orchard .
Such competition isn ’ t limited to the field next door . If the weather is suitable – temperatures in the mid 20s – a foraging bee can travel up to 4km in search of a good food source . This means 50 sq km are available for searching . Even a large stonefruit orchard seems relatively insignificant on this scale .
However , the distance bees travel depends partly on the hive . A small colony is more likely to stay local , whereas a large colony will forage more widely .
Bees can also be trained . Netting is generally a negative for pollination . Bees can find navigating under nets difficult and may end up getting stuck as they try to escape . However , young bees born into such an environment adapt to the conditions . After all , if a net house is all they know , they don ’ t feel the urge to try to get outside it .
Moving a hive while the older bees are out foraging seems cruel . However , it is one way to reduce colony size and allow the younger generation to come through . These bees may be just what is needed to stay around the orchard and pollinate opening flowers .
What bees like
According to NSW DPI Technical specialist on honeybees Doug Somerville , one of the big problems is that bees are not considered when planning an orchard .
“ Hives need to have the right aspect with minimal shading in early spring . Where the hives are positioned has a huge impact on how active the bees are . Ideally , bees need morning sun , and warm conditions . Beekeepers put hives where the grower wants them , but that ’ s often not the best place for the bees themselves ”.
While bees can start to move about at 12 – 14 ° C , flight doesn ’ t really begin until temperatures reach 16 ° C . Activity
16 Australian Stonefruit Grower | December 2016 summerfruit . com . au