Today on the radio* I heard :
‘Bumble Bees are much better at pollinating tomato plants’.
A comparison was being made between the key fruit and flower pollinators: Solitary Bees, Hoverflies, Honey Bees and the above mentioned Bumble Bees.
How can this be?
Last week I explored the self fertilizing nature of the tomato. Having both the male and female reproductive parts in one flower it has no need of external pollinators to carry pollen between male and female flowers or from one plant and another.
The reason lies in the difference between self fertilization and self pollination. The tomato plant self fertilizes but when it comes to pollination it’s more successful with help.
Pollen produced in the Anther needs to be released and moved to the stigma and motion is required to achieve this.
Which is where the Bumble Bee comes in.
It lands and vibrates its flight muscles whilst remaining attached to the flower, this shakes loose the pollen. A process known as sonication or buzz pollination.
It’s also why you see tips on tapping the supporting cane or gently tapping the truss.
It is the gardener as Bumble Bee. This gentle shake or tap should cause the pollen to be released and move.
In addition to tapping here are a few other ways to be the bee.
- Using a small, clean, dry, artist’s paintbrush gently brush over every flower.
- Use an electric gadget to replication sonication. Suggestions include electric versions of the razor, hair clippers or toothbrush.
Here’s a short clip of an electric toothbrush being used for just that.
*It was a Radio 4 Nature programme, fascinating and a good reminder of the value of flowers as well as vegetables.
