When this valve is open, the bumblebees can enter but are unable to get out. Advantages of the use of bumblebees 1. Since Biobest bumblebees are available year round, they are well suited for pollination of even early and late season crops. Bumblebees are not only excellent pollinators in open air, but are especially valuable in greenhouses and plastic tunnels. In crops, such as tomatoes , peppers and blueberries, bumblebee pollination results in higher yield as well as larger and higher quality fruits.
Bumblebees grasp the tomato flower and vibrate their thorax to shake the pollen loose.
This leaves a small brown mark on the anther cone, making it possible to monitor their work. A colony can pollinate 1000 to 3000 square metres of crop for 6 to 8 weeks. The number of colonies required depends upon the type of glasshouse or tunnel, the season, the variety, the number of plants per square metre and the competition from wild flowers. One colony is sufficient for the pollination of 3,000 to 5,000 square metres during 6 to 8 weeks. The flower base will develop into a beautiful, smooth fruit.