Moving pollen from the anthers to stigma proves tedious and nearly impossible, so the researchers brought in domesticated bumble bees. Now we use them exclusively. Bumble bee hives are short-lived, he said, lasting only about six to eight weeks. The researchers have to replace them regularly. Bumble bee hives can be obtained from numerous vendors who import them from Holland or Canada.
Insect pests are another problem.
One advantage of greenhouse production is the absence of weeds. During this research, the students and faculty did not find it necessary to use any form of pesticide, and they used biological controls exclusively. Fruiting began in late February and by late March, the harvest season was in full swing. Whitlow and Pritts invited local restaurateurs and Cornell Hotel School staff to a blind-tasting, March 21, where they compared greenhouse raspberries with offerings from a local supermarket. Opinions were favorable.