Compared to outdoor cultivation, greenhouse cultivation of strawberries reduces the entry of insects from nature and decreases airflow, leading to a decrease in self-pollination ability. Therefore, the most effective way to promote pollination of greenhouse strawberries is by introducing bees during flowering. Let's explore the key points to note when pollinating greenhouse strawberries with bees.
Key Points of Bee Pollination for Greenhouse Strawberry
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Bee Species: Either Apis cerana or Apis mellifera can be used for pollination.
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Timing: Beehives should be placed in the greenhouse four days before strawberry flowering begins to allow bees to adapt to the environment before starting to forage for nectar.
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Quantity: Typically, one beehive per strawberry plant is released. Place 1-2 beehives per half-acre greenhouse.
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Placement of Beehives: In east-west-oriented greenhouses, place beehives in the southwest corner, avoiding direct sunlight and proximity to the rear wall. Maintain a distance of approximately 5-6 meters from the rear wall, with the hive height above the strawberry bed. Avoid moving the beehives after placement to prevent bee confusion and death.
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Temperature and Humidity Control: Bees prefer temperatures between 15°C and 25°C and cannot survive in high humidity. Therefore, ensure proper temperature and humidity control to facilitate successful pollination. Ventilate and dehumidify promptly during periods of high temperature and humidity.
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Bee Management:
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Thoroughly control pests and diseases in the greenhouse 5-10 days before introducing beehives to ensure a disease-free environment for bees.
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Limit queen bee laying in the initial stage when flower quantity is low to control bee population and extend the lifespan of worker bees.
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Regularly clean beehives to remove dead bees, typically once a month.
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If strawberry flower quantity is insufficient to support bee growth and reproduction, supplement with sugar syrup or honey.
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Avoid using pesticides harmful to bees in the greenhouse, particularly highly toxic pesticides like imidacloprid and avermectin.
In summary, greenhouse strawberries are not conducive to self-pollination. Therefore, introducing bees for cross-pollination can significantly increase yield and quality.