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Number of Colonies Needed Per Acre 



An old "rule of thumb" recommendation was one colony per acre. We now 

 recognize that it is difficult to select a standard that will apply under all 

 conditions due to variation in populations of pollinators naturally present, 

 weather factors, colony condition, exposure of orchard and other factors. 



Location of Colonies in Orchard 



Most recent investigations demonstrate the advisability of placing colonies 

 in groups throughout the orchard taking advantage of natural wind breaks or pro- 

 viding artificial cover if necessary. Colonies should face south or southeast. 



When to Move Colonies Into the Orchard 



It is not recommended that bees be placed in orchard ahead of bloom since 

 the bees may become trained to visit other flowers. It is suggested that the 

 colonies be moved in when bloom has opened or even to wait a day or so if 

 conditions for flight appear to be satisfactory. 



Some of the Problems Facing Beekeeper Who Rents Bees for Pollination 



1. Loss of queens or colonies during moving, 



2. Swarming. 



3. Exposure to disease. 



4. Exposure to pesticides. 



How Bees May Be Poisoned 



1. Contamination of water, nectar or pollen with pesticides which 

 have stomach poison action on bees. Contaminated water and pollen 

 may kill both the brood (immature bees) and the adults. Poisoned 

 nectar kills mainly adult field bees but there are some exceptions 

 depending on speed of action of pesticide and distance bees have 

 to fly. 



2. Direct contact with pesticide during application, adult field bees 

 are primarily affected but brood may die from neglect. (Starvation 

 or exposure to extremes of temperature) . 



3. Exposure to pesticides having prolonged residual action. In some 

 instances heavy mortalities have resulted from exposure to residues 

 on leaves, twigs, or blossoms on which bees may crawl or rest. 



Comparative Toxicity of Pesticides to Honeybees 



Anderson and Atkins (University of California) set up four groups of pesti- 

 cides based on their comparative toxicities to bees. Much original information 

 was presented, some of which was obtained from laboratory experiments. Most of 

 the more important materials were also tested in the field. It must be empha- 

 sized that weather conditions in California may influence the effects of most 

 pesticides so as to give very different results than we might obtain in the 

 Northeast, 



