ISHS Acta Horticulturae 288: VI International Symposium on Pollination
MANAGING HONEY BEE POLLINATION OF KIWIFRUIT (ACTINIDIA DELICIOSA) IN NEW ZEALAND - A REVIEW |
| Author: | A.G. Matheson |
| Abstract:
The need for kiwifruit pollination services in New Zealand has increased dramatically in the past 15 years. The beekeeping industry has responded to this demand, and from providing only 1 600 hives in 1975 it now supplies some 80 000 hives to orchardists each season. This paper outlines the way kiwifruit pollination services are managed by individual beekeepers, and by the New Zealand beekeeping industry as a whole. Beekeepers have supplied more hives for kiwifruit pollination by decreasing honey production or by increasing overall hive numbers. Many new commercial beekeeping enterprises have been established principally to provide services to kiwifruit growers. At an industry level beekeepers have formed pollination associations to liaise with fruitgrowers, institute a code of ethics for members, and adopt quality standards for pollination hives. Government Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries research and extension staff advise growers and beekeepers on techniques for pollination management, including timing and placement of hive introductions, colony standards and bee management. | |
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