Thus, after careful study of the research by these scientists, one must conclude that for commercial production of avocados bees are essential, that honey bees are the primary pollinators, and that two to three colonies per acre should be used, the colonies placed within or alongside the groves, and that steps should be taken to insure protection of the bees and discouragement of associated plants attractive to them. The majority of avocado growers only passively encourage the keeping of bees in the area of their groves. Few if any actively contract for the bees or pay any type of pollination fee to insure the presence of adequate numbers. Many of them know that beekeepers usually move the colonies to the avocado growing areas to obtain nectar and pollen for buildup of the colonies. The bee population the beekeeper desires on the flowers for colony buildup, however, is far short of the population needed for maximum avocado pollination.
Colonies vary enormously in strength and pollination effectiveness.
Also, unless contracted for, the colonies may be transported to avocados when forest, range, or desert conditions are unfavorable for beekeeping, but may be placed elsewhere at avocado flowering time if the other flora is more favorable. For dependable pollination and maximum avocado fruit set, the grower should see that his trees are amply supplied with strong colonies of honey bees. Calif. Avocado Soc. Calif. Avocado Soc. In Ferwerda, F. P., and Wit, F., eds.