ISHS Acta Horticulturae 275: International Symposium on the Culture of Subtropical and Tropical Fruits and Crops
POLLINATION RESEARCH: A MISSING LINK IN SUBTROPICAL FRUIT PRODUCTION |
| Author: | A.P. du Toit |
| Abstract:
The results of a questionnaire survey on the status of subtropical crop pollination in South Africa are presented. Although the importance of honeybees as pollinators of some subtropical crops is acknowledged by the respondents, no recommendations for the practical use of honeybee colonies exist. Before 1986 less than 5% of Transvaal beefarmers were involved in the pollination of subtropical crops. They travelled with honeybee colonies to litchi orchards and to a lesser extent to macadamia and mango orchards, primarily to obtain surplus honey yields. This, however, resulted in the accidental pollination of these crops. Less than 2 000 of the 60 000 pollinating units (beehives) used during 1987 in accidental and professional pollination were placed in subtropical fruit orchards. The survey further showed that, while South Africa is a major subtropical fruit producer, it lacks the supporting scientific research into the pollination requirements of these crops. This results in an inadequate extension service on pollination requirements and practices to both beefarmers and crop producers. | |
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