Strawberries, a widely enjoyed fruit, rely heavily on external assistance for their development. While no single species is known as a “strawberry bee,” various bee species play a significant role in the successful cultivation of these berries. Understanding the partnership between bees and strawberry plants helps explain why these insects are so beneficial for growers and home gardeners.
Bees’ Essential Role in Strawberry Production
Bees are remarkably important for strawberry production, influencing the fruit’s size, shape, color, and overall yield. Although strawberry flowers are self-fertile, insect pollination significantly improves fruit quality. Bees transfer pollen between these parts, ensuring more complete fertilization of the numerous tiny ovules within each strawberry flower.
Efficient pollination by bees leads to strawberries that are heavier, less malformed, and have a more intense red color. For instance, bee-pollinated fruits can have a 38.6% higher commercial value compared to wind-pollinated fruits and a 54.3% higher value than self-pollinated ones. Furthermore, bee pollination can extend the shelf life of strawberries, with studies showing an increase in marketability after four days in storage compared to fruits resulting from wind or self-pollination.
When a strawberry flower is not fully pollinated, it can result in smaller, misshapen berries. This occurs because unfertilized ovules lead to undeveloped sections of the fruit. Growers often see improved fruit set and yield when bees are present.
Identifying Key Strawberry Pollinators
Several types of bees are effective pollinators for strawberries, each contributing to the fruit’s development. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are often introduced into strawberry fields, with recommendations ranging from two to 22 hives per hectare for commercial production. They are social insects living in colonies and are particularly valuable for their consistent activity throughout the flowering season.
Bumblebees (Bombus species) are also significant pollinators, recognized for their larger size and ability to forage in more adverse weather conditions than smaller bees. They can perform “buzz pollination,” where they vibrate their bodies to release pollen more effectively. Beyond these managed species, various wild and solitary bees contribute to strawberry pollination.
Native bees like mason bees and sweat bees (e.g., in the family Halictidae) are also observed visiting strawberry flowers. These wild bees, often smaller than honey bees or bumblebees, can have foraging ranges of about 500 meters and typically nest in the ground or in wood. Hoverflies, though not bees, also play a role in strawberry pollination, often being active on warm, sunny days.
Supporting Bee Populations for Better Strawberries
Supporting bee populations directly benefits strawberry plants by encouraging more effective pollination. One practical step is planting diverse flowering plants, especially native species, near strawberry patches. This provides additional food sources like nectar and pollen for bees.
Providing clean water sources, such as shallow dishes with pebbles for landing, helps sustain bee populations, particularly during dry periods. Avoiding the use of harmful pesticides, especially during the strawberry blooming period, is also important. If pesticide use is unavoidable, applying them in the evening when bees are less active can minimize exposure.
Creating nesting habitats can further support solitary bees. This might involve leaving small areas of undisturbed soil for ground-nesting species or providing “bee motels” made from materials like bamboo or wood for cavity-nesting bees. These actions collectively contribute to a healthier pollinator community.