Pollination of Greenhouse Muskmelons by Bumble Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

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Abstract
The pollination of greenhouse muskmelons, Cucumis melo L. cv. Derishi, by bumble bees, Bombus terrestris L., was studied. We placed nine hives inside a 1,500-m2 greenhouse in Rewa, Manawatu District, New Zealand for 7 d (the compressed pollination period required for melon export). Bee activity was monitored at hive entrances, on melon flowers, and at openings to the exterior of the greenhouse. Bumble bee workers foraged on the melon flowersfrom dawn until dusk. They collected only nectar from male and female flowers. Female flowers offered a greater volume of nectar, but did not appear to be more attractive to workers. Up to 32% of the bumble bee workers left the greenhouse through ventilation gaps and foraged elsewhere for nectar and pollen. The density of bees that worked the crop ranged from 2 to 8 per 100 plants after the melon flowers had opened. Bee visits were essential for fruit development, although the results contradicted the widely reported view that pollination must be accomplished early in the morning. Pollination by the bees was associated with 90% of the melon crop attaining the minimum exportable weight. We conclude that bumble bees are an effective method of pollinating greenhouse melons.

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