In areas where wild bees are scarce and weather may reduce bee flights, it would be good insurance for growers to place colonies of honey bees in the orchard. The only major peach variety requiring cross-pollination is J.H. Hale. Colonies should be present in plum orchards from first bloom until petal fall. Interplantings are considered a safeguard for all varieties. The blossoms are attractive to bees.
Honey bees are usually necessary for commercial production of highbush blueberries.
Full pollination results in higher yields, larger berries, and earlier ripening. Blueberries yield nectar and pollen, but bees visit the flower predominantly for nectar. Current varieties are self-fruitful but vary in attractiveness to honey bees. Most modern strawberry varieties are self-fruitful. The anthers that contain pollen circle the receptacle that contains the pistils.