What are the precautions for bumblebee pollination in winter
In winter, temperatures are relatively low, and because greenhouses are closed, many growers often choose bumblebees to carry out pollination work in order to improve crops. However, during the bumblebee pollination process, due to environmental and climate change issues, in order not to affect the normal use of bumblebees, we need to pay attention to several points. Let's take a look together.
1. Pay attention to the harm of fumigants to bumblebees
In winter, because ventilation time is intermittent, humidity in the greenhouse is relatively high, so pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and thrips are relatively numerous. Under conditions of low temperature and weak light, many farmers choose fumigants to control pests in order not to increase humidity. Fumigants have advantages such as fast effectiveness, no dead corners, low cost, and labor savings, but bumblebees are also a type of insect and will more or less be affected by fumigants. Therefore, friends who choose to use bumblebees for pollination in winter greenhouse cultivation should note that during the bumblebee pollination period, it is best not to choose to use fumigants.
2. Pay attention to the impact of double-layer film on bumblebees
After entering winter, many growers choose double-layer film as a measure to increase and maintain temperature because winter light is weak and light duration is short. When sunlight enters the greenhouse and passes through the filtration of the double-layer film, the visible light available to bumblebees will weaken and decrease; and if cloudy days occur, the filtered visible light available to bumblebees will be even less. This will cause bumblebees not only to work, and may even result in them not leaving the hive to work. Therefore, in order to avoid this situation, before installing the greenhouse film, choose greenhouse film with good light transmittance, and the inner film can be installed as a pull-type so that the inner film can be pulled open during the day to increase light.
3. Choose pesticides carefully
During the bumblebee pollination period, the choice of pesticides to spray is also very critical. It is best to choose low-toxicity or biological pesticides to avoid pesticide residues. If pesticides with high toxicity, high residues, and high systemic activity are used, it is very easy to cause bumblebee death. When spraying pesticides, pay attention to weather changes. Pesticides decompose faster under light and high temperature conditions than on cloudy days, so pay attention to the weather for the next few days after spraying pesticides. If there are many cloudy days, the spraying time should be appropriately extended.
4. Pay attention to the placement and insulation of the hive
In winter, the hive in the greenhouse is generally hung on the back wall of the greenhouse, 1—1.2 m above the ground, and a shade board is built above the hive to prevent direct sunlight from shining on the hive. In northern winters, nighttime temperatures are relatively low and humidity is high, so insulation and moisture-proof work should also be done well. A breathable thin cotton quilt can be added over the hive.
The above is an introduction to the precautions for using bumblebees for pollination in winter. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.