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Pollination and Pollinators |
Horn-faced bees (Osmia
cornifrons) are established pollinators in the mid-western and eastern
United states. They were introduced here in the 1960's as a fruit tree
pollinator by Dr. Susanne Batra. I find them enjoyable and easy to
keep while being an excellent fruit tree pollinator. They are an
excellent compliment to honey bees for pollination, or in sufficient
quantities, the primary pollinator. This may be advantageous (and safer) for orchardists
who may be allergic
to honey bee stings and want to take no chances. Although very gentle,
horn-faced bees have a seldom used sting described as being similar to a
mosquito bite. My initial checks of cocoons has been very disappointing. Enough so to say that we will have none for sale this year, only enough to perpetuate our stock and hope for a better next year. |
