In a message dated 95-09-09 23:30:16 EDT:
 
>From:  [log in to unmask] (Steven A. Davis)
 
> I've been told that this isn't
>much of a
>honey plant because the throat of the flower is too long for most
>bees.  I've
>also been told that Italians will make a crop from this because of
>their
>longer tonge.  So lets hear the "truth" from you more experienced
>folks.  Is
>it worth me chasing after this stuff for honey or should I charge for
>pollination?
 
   Generally bumblebees work red clover better than honeybees, though I have
seen honeybees work it.  I believe Carniolans and Caucasians have slightly
longer tongues than Italians.
 
   Incidently, I looked at a cuke field today that had abundant bumblebees
working it -- the first field I've seen this whole season being worked by
bumbles.  This was in one of the few sections  around here that has no cotton
nearby.  The honeybees were a lot stronger, too.
 
   Back to red clover:  I think that under ideal conditions, the blossoms can
make more nectar, possibly a big enough droplet that honeybees can reach it.
 Some years they seem to work it, other years you never see them on it.
 
   I doubt you could get anyone to pay for red clover pollination, though
dairy farmers in some areas are seeking out beekeepers for the white clovers
in their pastures.  Clover seed is very expensive, and they like to get
reseeding.
 
   Likewise, it is so iffy on honey production, I would tend to look for
white or sweet clover, if it is in your area.
 
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