In a message dated 8/24/98 7:28:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:
 
>From our friends at the USDA.  I had not heard about this before.  Any
comments?
(snip)
> High crop yields depend on having healthy, effective pollinators, but bees
>  that work only in sunflower fields are likely to become undernourished. As
>  they lose strength, they may not do a good job in that crop or in other
> crops
>  they are "hired" to pollinate later on.
 
    Yes, all pollens are not created equal. Beekeepers who work sourwood (an
Appalachian tree), citrus, or cotton, know that bees will reduce brood
rearing, and generally run down, due to nutritional deficiencies. Corn and
pine pollens are also poor. These are not always gathered by bees, but will be
if other pollens are not available.
 
    Some pollens seem to be very high quality, at least bees do well. Some I
have noted are: dandelion, goldenrod, wild mustard, and any brassica
(collards, canola, cabbage). Many of the best pollens are from plants
considered weeds, or plants that are not allowed to bloom very often.
 
[log in to unmask]     Dave Green  Hemingway, SC  USA
The Pollination Scene:  http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html
The Pollination Home Page:    http://www.pollinator.com
 
Jan's Sweetness and Light Shop    (Varietal Honeys and Beeswax Candles)
http://users.aol.com/SweetnessL/sweetlit.htm