Florida is home to over 300 species of bees that assist in the pollination of agricultural commodities and support overall ecosystem health. The pollinator of main concern, and the one that best represents the issues of all pollinators in the state, is the honey bee (Apis meliffera).
The European (or western) honey bee was brought to the Americas by early European settlers and has been a part of the natural environment ever since. Unlike native species, the honey bee can be managed to benefit the pollination needs of certain crops. Honey bees contribute significantly to the food supply. In Florida, commodity crops like blueberries, watermelons, cucumbers and onions would produce little to no fruit if it were not for the honey bee.
Listen to “Cutters Edge show 8 part 1 – Bees and Your Landscape” on Spreaker.
Listen to “Cutters Edge show 8 part 2 – Bees and Your Landscape” on Spreaker.
