Jerry Hayes writes:
I am having a discussion with a grower concerning whether
or not broodless honey bees will forage for pollen. In my
search I have only found a few references to the presence
of "larva" acting as the cue for active pollen collection.


Reply:
Yes, broodless bees willf orage for pollen and do it quite
well. In the spring colonies with used up stores of pollen
and low on honey must do this. It was researched by the US
gov years back and documented extensively, along with
temperature triggers, etc. I will dig up the info and email
the ref to you.


Jerry continiues:The grower is thinking that he can buy
packages and they will provide the pollination he needs and
that he will not have to pay for full colonies.

Reply:
He will need a good queen and young workers, but then this
is what package honeybees are about! And would be a source
of business for package bee makers.

Regards,

Dee A. Lusby



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