Like honey bees, native bees seek nectar and pollen from flowers and in this process transfer pollen to other flowers, thus pollinating plants. Many fruit crops have been recognized as a focus for native bees as the flower size seems more suitable for a smaller bee.

Native bees have been proven to specifically target a group of fruiting crops such as macadamia, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, avocado, lychee, citrus, watermelon and many other native and exotic species.

Some studies have shown that native bees are better pollinators of certain crops compared to honey bees as they tend to collect more pollen than honey bees due to the presence of a thick tuft of elongated hair on the hind legs or abdomen. The pollen is also more easily dislodged (meaning improved fertilization) as it is dry, whereas honey bees pack it tightly into pollen ‘baskets’ moistened with nectar.

Most food crops require pollination for effective fruit set and consistency . With using the right number of native beehives, evenly spaced throughout the orchard , effectively increases pollinator numbers where they are needed most.

In an international study of more than 40 crops grown worldwide, native bees improved pollination efficiency by greatly increasing fruit set when compared to crops that were pollinated just by European honey bees. The best pollination outcomes were achieved when both European honey bees and natives were present. Therefore to enhance crop yields it is critical that new practices need to be considered for the integrated management of both honey bees and native bees.

We can customize a pollination plan for your specific crop for maximum pollination, with the view to significant increases in fruit size and weight production – which means higher yields.