Some apple varieties will produce and shed pollen earlier in the day when the temperature rises above 85 or so, and the humidity is low. One thing to check is early morning, when new blossoms open, before they have a chance to dehise. I haven't done much with apples in many years, but used to a lot, and found this to be true...but I don't recall the varieties. What led to this was a grower saying our bees weren't doing their job...so we were out before dawn, measuring flight activity when it began, and what trees it was on....just fyi. And you are exactly correct on providing water as close to the bees as reasonable. One caution...long ago it was customary to empty sprayers in orchards when done spraying....although this isn't the norm, it can, if practiced, be deadly if bees need, and don't have other water. Another fyi.
Kim Flottum Editor, BeeCulture 623 West Liberty Street Medina, Ohio 44256 V - 800.289.7668 Ext 3214 Fax - 330.725.5624 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.BeeCulture.com _____ From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Fleming, William Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 10:34 AM To: Apple-Crop Subject: RE: *Potential Spam* Apple-Crop: bee activity Not sure on the pollen aspect but when the temps rise bees start spending more time hauling water to the hive rather than foraging. Best thing a grower can do is make sure a water supply the bees can access without drowning is close by. Bill Fleming Montana State University Western Ag Research Center 580 Quast Ln Corvallis, MT 59828 (406)961-3025 _____ From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Franklyn Carlson Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 5:46 AM To: Apple-Crop Subject: *Potential Spam* Apple-Crop: bee activity --> Would like to get some comments & feedback regarding temps and bee activity during a real hot bloom period. Here in central Massachusetts we have had temps in the 88 degree range for the last 3 to 4 days. Have not seen much bee activity in McIntosh at all. We see some activity in the Cortland, Delicious etc. Growers that get bees from different suppliers are noticing the same thing. Can it get too hot and make the pollen unattractive to the bees? Frank Carlson Carlson Orchards, Inc. Harvard, MA No virus found by AVG in this incoming email. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.8/797 - Release Date: 5/10/2007 5:10 PM No virus found by AVG at Root Candles in this outgoing email. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.8/797 - Release Date: 5/10/2007 5:10 PM
