Summer Fruits and the role of Pollinators

There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy nectarine on a hot summer day or savouring a bowl of sweet, fresh blueberries after dinner. But did you know that these delicious summer fruits—and many others—are made possible by the incredible work of bees?

Bees: The Unsung Heroes of Our Food Supply

While European honey bees are only one of the 20,000 bee species on the planet, they are responsible for directly pollinating over one-third of the food we consume worldwide. These hardworking little insects are vital to the production of over 133 different types of fruits, vegetables, and even fibres we wear. From cotton and flax (linen) to the coffee and wine we drink, bees pollinate an astounding range of crops, including nuts, seeds, spices, and clover.

In fact, honey bees contribute to the growth of foods like peanut butter, almond milk, and dairy products, as well as cut flowers, soybeans, and trees used for timber. Their role is absolutely essential in the production of many of the foods and materials we rely on daily. And, of course, they’re the ones behind the beloved Comvita Mānuka honey!

The Essential Pollination of Summer Fruits

Without the vital work of honey bees, we wouldn’t have many of our favorite summer fruits, including blueberries, nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries, blackberries, watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and raspberries. These fruits all require insect pollination to thrive, and honey bees are among the best suited for the job.

But how does pollination work, exactly?

What Is Pollination?

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from one plant to another, which is essential for fertilizing the flower and enabling it to produce seeds and fruit. Without pollination, many of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy wouldn’t exist.

Bees and flowers have co-evolved over about 100 million years—a fascinating partnership that has helped both thrive. Flowers attract bees with their vibrant colours, sweet scents, and nectar, while bees have developed furry bodies that collect pollen. As bees move from flower to flower in search of nectar, they unintentionally carry pollen with them, facilitating cross-pollination.

The Magic of Cross-Pollination

Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from one flower’s stamen (the male reproductive part of a flower) lands on another flower’s stigma (the female reproductive part). This process allows fertilization to take place, leading to the production of fruit. While wind can assist with pollination for certain crops, insects like honey bees play the biggest role in pollinating many of our favorite fruits.

Though honey bees are top-tier pollinators, they aren’t the only ones doing the work. There are numerous pollinators around the world, including native and solitary bees, bumblebees, beetles, butterflies, moths, ants, flies, birds, and even bats.

Why Honey Bees Are So Effective

Honey bees are particularly skilled at pollination. They are loyal to specific plant species until the flowers stop blooming, and their impeccable navigation skills allow them to efficiently cover large areas. Even more impressive, honey bees can communicate the location of food sources to their hive mates through dances and a sample of nectar, encouraging them to work together to pollinate a wider area.

In addition to honey bees, bumblebees also play a key role in pollinating many of our favorite fruits. Bumblebees are unique in that they perform “buzz” pollination. They shake the flowers to release the pollen, which then falls onto their bodies. Some fruits, such as blueberries, tomatoes, passionfruit, and kiwifruit, are especially responsive to this type of pollination.

The Importance of Diverse Pollinators

Research has shown that the more diverse the pollinator population, the better the fruit set—and the higher the quality of the fruit. A variety of pollinators results in fruits that taste better, last longer, and have a longer shelf life. This highlights the importance of supporting a range of pollinators to ensure we continue to enjoy the fruits we love.

Comvita’s Commitment to Protecting Pollinators

At Comvita, we are dedicated to supporting and preserving the incredible work of bees and other pollinators. By fostering a love for these essential creatures, we hope to ensure their survival for generations to come. The pollination work they do is crucial not just for our summer fruits, but for the broader food supply chain and the world around us.

So, next time you bite into a sweet piece of fruit or enjoy a spoonful of Comvita Mānuka honey, remember the vital role that pollinators play in bringing these delights to your table. Let’s work together to protect them and keep our ecosystems thriving!

-------------------

Author: Noelani Waters

Noelani Waters is Comvita’s Bee and Nature Advocate. She has been a beekeeper for 13 years across many areas of the apiculture industry, working as an apiary inspector, community educator, bee researcher, commercial beekeeper and queen bee breeder in her home of Hawai’i and here New Zealand since 2019. She is very passionate about sharing the importance and magic of pollinators with people of all ages to help increase advocacy and a connection to nature.