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Beekeeping - Apiculture in Arkansas
The Importance of Pollinators
Pollination is the transfer of pollen, containing the male gamete of a plant,
from the anthers where it is produced to the receptive stigma, the female part
of the same or another plant of the same species. This process results in
fertilization, and sexual reproduction of the plant to produce seeds. Most
ancient plants were pollinated by wind. Grasses, conifers, and many deciduous
trees are still wind-pollinated. Most flowering plants, however, utilize living
organisms to aid in this transfer. Birds and bats can pollinate a limited number
of plants, but the vast majority of plants are pollinated by insects. Some
wasps, flies, beetles, ants, butterflies and moths pollinate various flowers,
but bees are responsible for the vast majority of pollination. And honey bees
perform more than 80 percent of all pollination of cultivated crops.
More than 100 important crops are pollinated by honey bees. This includes
many of the fruits and vegetables that we eat, but also a number of important
crops such as nuts, herbs, spices oilseed crops, forage for dairy and beef
cattle, as well as medicinal and numerous ornamental plants. Even plants that
are not grown for their fruits require pollination in order to propagate them by
seed. Honey bees add an estimated $15 billion to the U.S. economy each year in
increased crop yields.
Many species of pollinators have been in decline recently. European honey
bees were brought to North America by colonists in the 1600s. As many of these
bees escaped into the wild, the feral populations began to displace some of the
estimated 4000 native bee species. These feral honey bees provided pollination
for the growing agricultural industry across the county through the 20th
century. In the 1990s two species of parasitic mites were accidentally
introduced from Asia. The tracheal mite and varroa mite caused severe declines
in honey bee populations within a few years. These parasitic mites were
controlled on managed bees largely with chemical pesticides, substantially
increasing the costs of large beekeeping operations. During the same time,
populations of feral honey bees dramatically declined. Fewer natural
pollinators, combined with increased agricultural production have resulted in an
increased need for contracted pollination services. Honey bee hives are placed
on trucks each spring and moved from their winter homes to areas of agricultural
production in order to provide adequate numbers of pollinators when crops are in
bloom. This movement of honey bee hives is thought to be associated with the
spread of honey bee diseases and other hive pests.
During the winter of 2006-2007, a high number of bee colonies died out, but
the cause of death remained a mystery. The next winter, colonies died out at even
higher rates. The phenomenon was termed
Colony Collapse Disorder, or
CCD, and has been reported in Europe as well as the U.S. This mysterious
disappearance of honey bees raised alarms that we may be on the verge of a
pollinator crisis, resulting in insufficient numbers of pollinators to supply
the demands of our agricultural industry. This pollinator shortage is not likely
to result in a large-scale food shortage in the US. However, there may be an
increase in the cost of some produce because of the increase in production costs
associated with the demand of pollinators. Many of our fruits and vegetables are
imported from Asia and Latin America, where CCD has not been largely reported.
Most staple food crops, such as wheat, rice and corn, are wind-pollinated. Other
crops, such as soybeans, are self-fertile, and are not dependent upon
pollinators. And some crops, such as peaches and cotton, can self-pollinate, but
when pollinated by bees tend to produce larger yields.
| Some important crops pollinated by honey bees.
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| Fruits and Vegetables |
| Apple |
Chicory |
Kiwi |
Peppers |
| Apricot |
Chinese cabbage |
Kohlrabi |
Persimmon |
| Artichoke |
Citron |
Leek |
Pimento |
| Asparagus |
Collards |
Lemon |
Plum |
| Avocado |
Cranberry |
Lima beans |
Pummelo |
| Blackberry |
Cucumber |
Litchi |
Pumpkin |
| Blueberry |
Currants |
Mango |
Radish |
| Broccoli |
Dewberry |
Muskmelon |
Raspberry |
| Brussel sprouts |
Eggplant |
Mustard |
Rutabaga |
| Cabbage |
Garlic |
Nectarine |
Sapote |
| Cantaloupe |
Gooseberry |
Onion |
Squash |
| Carrots |
Grapefruit |
Orange |
Strawberry |
| Cauliflower |
Honeydew |
Parsley |
Tangelo |
| Celery |
Huckleberry |
Passion Fruit |
Tangerine |
| Chayote |
Jujube |
Peach |
Turnip |
| Cherry |
Kale |
Pears |
Watermelon |
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| Nuts |
| Almond |
Cacao |
Cashew |
Chestnut |
| Coconut |
Coffee |
Kola nut |
Macadamia |
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| Herbs and Spices |
| Allspice |
Cinnamon |
Fennel |
Mustard |
| Anise |
Coriander |
Lavender |
Nutmeg |
| Chives |
Dill |
Mint |
Oregano |
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| Livestock Forage |
| Alfalfa |
Buckwheat clover |
Sweet clover |
Vetches |
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| Oil Crops |
| Canola |
Palm seed |
Soybeans |
Tung |
| Cotton seed |
Safflower |
Sunflower |
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Planting to Attract Pollinators
Many species of pollinators are in decline around the world due to destruction
of natural habitat. This is especially true in industrialized countries such as
the U.S. Bees and other pollinators are a vital part of the natural system.
Besides humans, many other species rely on pollinators. Plants need pollination
in order to reproduce, and many species of wildlife depend on pollination in
order to find their food as well. Gardeners and homeowners can plant a variety
of trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract pollinators. By choosing a variety of
flowers that provide blooms continuously throughout the growing season, you can
ensure that pollinators will return regularly. Find out what to plant in your
region by visiting the
Pollinator
Partnership.
Encouraging Native Pollinators
Becoming a backyard beekeeper is a great way to increase the pollinator
population in your neighborhood. Even if you don't want to keep honey bees,
encouraging native pollinator species is easy. Many species of solitary bees are
native to Arkansas. These bees will not sting, do not require sophisticated
hives or other equipment to maintain. By providing them with simple habitats
from scrap wood, you can increase the productivity of your garden. Learn more
about
encouraging solitary bees.
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