Strawberry
Pollination Solutions
Fragaria x ananassa
Strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa) rely on effective insect activity for successful strawberry pollination and consistent fruit development. During flowering, pollen must be transferred across the flower to allow fertilisation and proper fruit formation.
In greenhouse and protected cropping systems, natural pollinator activity may be limited. Managed bumblebee colonies are widely used to support reliable pollination in strawberry crops grown under protection.
Zonda bumblebee hives provide reliable pollination throughout the flowering period, supporting consistent strawberry production for New Zealand growers.
Strawberry Flower Biology
- The strawberry flower is hermaphroditic and capable of self-pollination, producing both pollen and nectar — though nectar production is typically lower in protected growing systems.
- Strawberry fruit is a compound fruit: each seed (achene) develops from its own pistil, meaning every pistil must be pollinated individually for proper fruit formation.
- Pistils become receptive gradually from the base of the flower outward over several days, requiring multiple bumblebee visits to achieve well-formed fruit.
- While self-pollination can occur, cross-pollination typically plays a greater role in fruit set.
- Bare stamens generally indicate adequate pollinator visits, as bees remove pollen during foraging.
- If flowers are scarce, bumblebees may over-visit remaining flowers. When collecting the last pollen grains, they may grip and vibrate the flower — a form of buzz pollination that can damage the receptacle, later appearing as cork-like spots on the fruit.
When to Introduce Bumblebee Hives for Strawberry Pollination
In outdoor strawberry crops, a minimum of 6 LARGE colonies per hectare is recommended when no other pollinators are present.
On delivery, a LARGE colony contains 80–110 worker bees and a queen, with a typical lifespan of four to six weeks depending on crop conditions.
Each hive covers approximately 1,500 m².Each hive covers approximately 1,500 m². For smaller growing areas, a different hive size may be recommended.
Introduce hives at early flowering and distribute evenly throughout the crop to encourage effective pollination across all flowering plants.
Bumblebee Hives for Strawberry Pollination
Explore Zonda Beneficials bumblebee hives for crop pollination to support strawberry production.
Large Hive
1100 m² to 1500 m²
Contains approximately 80–100 worker bees.
Bumblebee Hive Placement and Use
- Introduce colonies when the first flowers are open.
- Place hives on a sturdy support approximately 50 cm above the ground — sunny in spring, shaded later in the season.
- Secure hives to prevent ant access.
- After placement, allow bees to settle for 30–60 minutes before opening the flight hole.
- Bumblebees will begin pollinating shortly after their initial orientation flights.
- Bumblebees are most active between 15–25°C, and will work in temperatures from 10–30°C.
Bumblebee Safety and Crop Protection
- Bumblebees are compatible with natural enemies and biological control programmes.
- Agricultural chemicals can affect bumblebees directly (killing workers or larvae through contact or ingestion) or indirectly (treated flowers may deter foraging visits).
- Systemic pesticides absorbed through roots can have long-lasting effects. In crops that produce both nectar and pollen (e.g. sweet pepper), the impact on the colony can be significantly greater than in pollen-only crops (e.g. tomato).
- Detailed information on pesticide compatibility is available in Zonda’s Side Effects Guide.
- Before any crop treatment, activate the BEEHOME option to allow bees to enter but not leave the hive. After approximately one hour, the hive can be fully closed and either covered or removed from the crop.
- If temporarily removed, store the hive at 18–20°C.