While adverse temperatures can reduce pollen viability and reduce of pollination effectiveness, a more common problem is insufficient bee activity for adequate pollination. Melon and cucumber flowers are pollinated exclusively by honey bees and other insect pollinators. Insects are required for pollen transfer because of the large size of the pollen grains, their stickiness, and the way they are released from the anthers. Also, since these plants typically produce only small amounts of pollen, pollinators are needed for efficient pollen transfer from one flower to the next. While wild bees or distant honeybee colonies may suffice for small melon or cucumber fields, their activities may not be adequate for the commercial grower whose income depends on substantial yields of high quality fruit.
Maximum yields harvested in a minimum number of trips across the field is economically advantageous.
To accomplish this, good pollinator activity is essential. Most muskmelon varieties produce male flowers at the beginning of the season and continue to produce them throughout the season. Combination flowers appear in response to longer days, generally 10-14 days after the first male flowers. These flowers occur on branch runners. Fruit develops only from the combination flowers.