Bees vital for New Zealand agriculture

Research looking at methods of managing bee pollination

Auckland, New Zealand. 6 May 2009. New Zealand agriculture relies on bees, and research is looking at how best to manage and optimise bee pollination practices.

Most New Zealand fruit crops rely on bees to pollinate flowers which ultimately lead to the production of the fruit. As bee colonies fall under threat from disease and infection, fruit growers must put processes in place to best manage pollination of their crops.

Plant & Food Research scientists are working with growers to assess and understand pollination of various crops and how it can best be managed to ensure the continued success of the New Zealand industry. Pollination tools being investigated include understanding the pollination requirements and conditions for maximisation of crop yield or quality, controlling the number and makeup of bee colonies, and the timing of introduction and placement of colonies. Colonies can also be managed to increase pollen or nectar foraging depending on which are more important for the crop.

However, bees are increasingly under threat as a result of diseases and introduced parasitic mites.

“Decimation of the bee population, both feral hives and managed colonies, can lead to major issues for the agricultural industry,” says apiculturalist Mark Goodwin. “Most of our crops are reliant on bees for pollination. By understanding the pollination requirements of different crops, we can develop managed programmes to ensure successful pollination continues, even as feral hives disappear due to disease or other issues.

“Of New Zealand fruit crops, only feijoa, pollinated by birds, and grapes, which are wind pollinated, are not reliant on bees for pollination. It is vital for the New Zealand industry, and other countries which rely on horticulture, to recognise the threat to the bee population and put effective processes in place.”

Media contact

Mike Shaw
Communications Advisor

T: +64 9 925 8652
F: +64 9 925 7002
mshaw@hortresearch.co.nz