Bumble-bees as pollination assistance

7 reasons why to decide for the use of bumble-bees:

1st: Bumble-bees “work” also at bad weather conditions

• Bumble-bees are already active at 8°C, whereas honey bees start between 15 and 18°C
• Bumble-bees fly on cloudy days too
• Bumble-bees fly at wind velocities up to 70 km/h, whereas honey bees at maximum 30 km/h.

2nd: Bumble-bees are loyal to their habitat. Bumble-bees do not communicate as distinctive as honey bees therefore they normally stay at their culture instead of searching for a more attractive one.

3rd: Bumble-bees are more efficient in pollination as honey-bees. They collect more pollen than nectar and transmit more pollen from the pistils. Moreover bumble-bees change more often between trees or bushes.

4th: Unlike honey-bees, bumble-bees let the blossom vibrate, which for some crops, such as blueberries, is necessary to lift the pollen.

5th: Unlike honey-bees, bumble-bees “work” more efficient in roofed or semi-roofed terrain since it helps them to orientate.

6th: Bumble-bees are peaceful animals. They sting only when they get irritated.

7th: Bumble-bees can be combined very well with honey-bees.

Which bumble-bee colonies shall be used?

Depending on the area of use and the culture there are different sizes and species of bumble-bees. A normal bumble-bee colony consists of 400-500 bumble-bees, which need to be introduced 8 to 10 days before the blooming.

What is a TRIPOL?

A TRIPOL contains three big bumble-bee colonies. It is rain- and weather resistant, well isolated and ventilated – so bumble-bees can work very efficiently. Therefore it is perfect to use on a pumpkin field with approx. 1 ha of acreage.