Spring in California: Almonds and Bees

It is not a rumor anymore...many beekeepers are reporting a lot of bee losses this year, up to 90-100%. This is devastating. I won't know the fate of my own bees for another 3 weeks or so. This report comes from California, Eric Mussen (Apiculturist in the UC Davis Department of Entomology since 1976) suggested that this spring 2013, California may face a shortage of bees pollinating their almonds orchards. As many beekeepers noticed, last year was a bad year for honey production in the United States. The bees did not have enough to eat due to a lack of pollen and nectar in some regions. Bee nutrition is becoming a huge topic of discussion among scientists, as it is an important factor associated with CCD( Colony Collapse Disorder). The view is that if a bee is not well fed (just like us),  she becomes weak and more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Hives in almond orchard, CA
(photo: entangled bees-tumblr.com)

The state of California is the largest exporter of almonds in the world; 80% of the global supply of almonds is grown there. 70% of the harvest is exported. This year forecast states that 2.10 billion of meat pounds will be produced (National, Agricultural, Statistics Service) which is valued at about 3 billion dollars!

Every year almond orchards need 1.6 million colonies  or about 2 colonies per acre to pollinate the trees properly. California has about only 500,000 colonies this year. Because of what is happening to the little bees (winter loss), there will be less colonies and they  will be less populous. Usually almond growers would like to have at least 8 frames of bees per hive to ensure that the efficacy of pollination. But this year, they will be lucky if they get 6 frames of bees... this is 1/3 less bees per hive to pollinate the same amount of trees!

Besides the honeybee situation, weather has to cooperate as well! If it is too cool, fertilization may not happened. The pollen tubes that are located at the base of the flower may not grow properly, thus not reaching the ovum (lower portion of the pistil containing the ovules or female parts).

                                                                                       

 What is called a good "nut set", the beginning of the development of (in this case), the almond occurs in the first 3 days of pollination,and at the most within 5days. On the other hand if it is too warm, the tissues dry out and die, not producing a potential nut!

Almond season is very short in California, about 2 weeks, depending on almond cultivar and the weather.  On average, full bloom happens usually on Valentine's Day, February 14!




Hopefully the honeybees in California will be able to handle the immense task that is ahead. As for me, I will still wonder how my bees are doing this winter....but no peaking until warmer!