The Utilization and Management of Bumble Bees for Red Clover and Alfalfa Seed Production

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Abstract
Today, the process of domestication of bumble bees appears to be much more practicable than in the past. The logical step following artificial hibernation is the artificial rearing of colonies in the laboratory. It is here, however, that the major difficulties occur which at present confine this process of domestication to an experimental level. The most important object of future investigations should be to gain a better insight into the factors controlling nest initiation and the nature of the effect of pests and diseases upon the domestication process. Once such an understanding is available, then the domestication of bumble bees can be considered to be of value to the seed grower. Until this time, however, the natural population must be relied upon in many areas to act as pollinators of red clover and alfalfa. Other practical suggestions have been made by various investigators on the subject of the provision of suitable nesting sites and fodder plants, on the placing of legume crops in suitable areas, and on the removal of competitive bloom. Many of these suggestions need further investigation but could, even in their present state, enable a greater degree of utilization of the natural bumble bee population. It is therefore somewhat surprising that, with the exception of a few cases, these suggestions have passed unheeded.