SEX IN THE BERRY PATCH
Yes, it is that time of year! Everywhere are the signs of regeneration. And that is especially so among the plants that require sexual reproduction for the food we eat (that's about 60% of the plant foods we consume). Pollen from the anthers of each flower (the male portion of the flower) has to reach the stigma (the female portion of the flower) for fertilization to occur, and the transfer of that pollen in most of our fruiting plants is undertaken by insects - especially honeybees. In fact, farming practices are such that we have become more and more dependent upon our fuzzy, buzzing friends for this very important task - playing cupid in the depths of a flower.
So, for the next several weeks you will see trucks loaded with hives of honeybees on their way to blueberry patches, then raspberries, then cranberries and all the while also heading for cherries, apples, pears and other tree fruits. A keen observer will notice a "yard" of beehives suddenly appear next to an orchard or berry patch and remain there during the blossom period. The conscientious beekeeper has to make sure that he/she has strong, healthy colonies for pollination and where bees are overwintered (as happens to be the case in our fruit-growing areas) the work begins in the fall to ensure that the bees are in optimal shape for their spring tasks. So, just as bees and fruit-bearing plants have a close interdependence, the relationship between beekeepers and fruitgrowers has become closer with a common goal - to put delicious food on our tables!
For further information on honey bees, pollination and photo opportunities please contact:
BC Honey Producers' President
Elizabeth Huxter
beequeen(AT)telus(DOT)net
tel (250) 442-5204
or
BC Honey Producers' Communications Officer
Dr. John Boone
jboone(AT)telus(DOT)net
tel (604) 266-9301
or
We have regional representatives throughout the province (click here) who are happy to share their knowledge and fascination of bees with you.