In the world of agriculture, pollination plays a vital role in the success of crops. Without pollinators, such as bees, fruits and vegetables may not develop properly, and the yield can decrease dramatically. However, not all crops have access to natural pollinators, especially those grown in greenhouses. That's where Anthophora plumipes, also known as the Hairy Footed Flower Bee, comes in.
Anthophora Plumipes and Greenhouse Strawberry Pollination
A study conducted in Shimane University, Japan in 2014 evaluated the pollination efficiency of Anthophora plumipes for greenhouse strawberries. The experiment showed that both male and female bees actively foraged flowers throughout the day, and the rate of fertilized seed by the bee pollination was significantly greater than no supplementary pollination (control) and similar to that in hand-pollinated flowers. Additionally, the fruit's quality, evaluated based on the shape and deformity, was improved by the bee pollination.
This indicates that Anthophora plumipes could be an alternative pollinator for greenhouse-grown strawberries. With the increasing demand for strawberries globally, finding effective methods of pollination is crucial for both farmers and consumers.
The Role of Greenhouses in Strawberry Production
Greenhouses provide the perfect environment for year-round strawberry production. They allow farmers to grow strawberries in areas where natural conditions aren't optimal, helping nations to be self-sufficient in food production. Greenhouses also provide protection from harsh weather conditions and pests, reducing crop losses.
However, one of the significant challenges of growing strawberries in greenhouses is the lack of natural pollinators. In many cases, strawberries require manual pollination, an expensive and labor-intensive process. Also, hand pollination may not be extensive enough to ensure high yields, especially in larger greenhouses. Alternative pollinators such as Anthophora plumipes may provide a more efficient solution to this problem.
Anthophora Plumipes as an Alternative Pollinator
Anthophora plumipes is a solitary bee species that is native to Europe and found in North Africa and Asia. They are known for their long, hairy feet, which help to distribute pollen as they walk from flower to flower. Because they are solitary bees, Anthophora plumipes don't produce honey, unlike honeybees. Therefore, they are less aggressive and unlikely to sting people or pets.
The life cycle of Anthophora plumipes involves nesting in soft soil, clay, or mortar, making them an easy species to manage in greenhouses. Farmers can provide nesting blocks made from red clay soil or other suitable materials to attract the bees. Once the nesting blocks have been provided, the bees will lay their eggs in the tunnels, and the young will develop into adult bees.
Anthophora plumipes is an effective pollinator for a wide range of crops, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Their foraging habits and long hairy feet make them ideal for pollinating greenhouse-grown strawberries. They work best at temperatures between 20°C and 25°C and prefer areas with plenty of flowers and nesting blocks.
Overall, Anthophora plumipes represents an excellent alternative to manual pollination for greenhouse-grown strawberries. Farmers can attract these bees to their greenhouses by providing nesting blocks and suitable flowers. With the increased demand for strawberries globally, this alternative option can help to provide better quality and yield of this crop.
In conclusion, greenhouse-grown strawberries are a valuable crop that can be grown year-round in controlled conditions. However, the absence of natural pollinators poses a significant challenge to the industry as hand pollination can be expensive and time-consuming. Anthophora plumipes represents an excellent alternative to manual pollination for greenhouse strawberries. By providing nesting materials and suitable flowers, farmers can attract these bees to their greenhouses and improve the quality and yield of their crops.