Bumblebee Pollination
for Greenhouse Crops

Bumblebee pollination helps ensure reliable fruit set, better crop quality, and consistent yields in greenhouse growing environments.

Many horticultural crops grown in greenhouse environments rely on insect pollination to achieve successful fruit set and consistent crop production. During the flowering period, pollen must be transferred between flowers for fertilisation to occur and fruit to develop.

In protected cropping systems such as glasshouses, tunnel houses and other covered growing environments, natural pollinators are often limited. Managed bumblebee colonies are widely used to provide reliable pollination activity within greenhouse crops.

Why Pollination is Important for Greenhouse Crops

Pollination is a critical biological process for many fruiting crops grown under protection. Successful pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the male structures of the flower (anthers) to the female structure (stigma), enabling fertilisation and fruit development.

When pollination levels are insufficient, crops may experience reduced fruit set, uneven fruit development or smaller fruit size. These outcomes can affect both crop yield and harvest quality.

In greenhouse production systems, environmental conditions such as limited airflow, controlled climates and restricted access for natural pollinators can influence pollination success. Introducing managed pollinators helps ensure reliable pollen transfer during the flowering period and supports stable crop production.

Why Pollination is Important for Greenhouse Crops

Greenhouse Crops That Benefit from Bumblebee Pollination

Bumblebees are widely used in greenhouse crop production because their natural foraging behaviour supports efficient pollen transfer between flowers. They are particularly effective in crops that benefit from vibration or frequent flower visitation.

Courgette Pollination

Cucurbita Pepo

Cucumber Pollination

Cucumis Satiyus

Eggplant Pollination

Solanum Melongena

Strawberry Pollination

Fragaria x Ananassa

Sweet Pepper Pollination

Capsicum Annuum

Tomato Pollination

Lycopersicon Esculentum

Bumblebee Hives for Greenhouse Crop Pollination

Bumblebee hives designed for greenhouse use provide a stable environment for the colony while allowing bees to forage throughout the crop canopy.

Zonda Beneficials hives are supplied as fully self-contained colonies, requiring minimal maintenance once placed within the greenhouse. Each hive arrives with a bladder of sugar syrup located in the base of the hive, providing a food source for the bees during the pollination period. The hive does not require feeding or cleaning and can be placed directly in a suitable location within the crop.

An easy-to-use slider door allows growers to control the movement of the bees when required. The hive can also be temporarily closed and relocated if necessary, for example when moving colonies within the greenhouse or during crop management activities.

All colonies are supplied with the queen and worker bees, providing active pollination during the flowering period. Under normal conditions, colonies typically remain productive for approximately four to six weeks, depending on crop conditions and colony performance.