Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1099801
1 Footnote: Of concern is how to manage the use of pest control materials in ways that minimize their potential impact on honey bees and other pollinators. It is important that growers of all crops implement best management practices to support bee health, and for those whose crops rely on honey bee pollination to consider honey bee health not only during the pollination season but throughout the entire year. The Almond Board of California (ABC) and partners continue to support bee health research in a variety of areas. The following pages outline the best management practices that this bee health research determined will promote the health of honey bees and protect them from environmental factors that could be detrimental to their health in the orchard. While many of these practices are generally applicable across all crops, some are almond specific. BEES ARE A VALUABLE RESOURCE and almond production input, and the time they spend in almonds impacts hive health throughout the year, from the time they leave almond orchards until they return the next season. ALMONDS ARE ONLY ONE OF MORE THAN 90 FOODS THAT RELY ON POLLINATION BY BEES, due to the industry's size and number of bees needed, the public is increasingly watching the California almond community on matters related to the health and stability of honey bee populations. This guide covers precautions to follow to protect honey bees during the almond pollination season. Four key precautions are: Maintain clear communication among all parties involved, particularly on the specifics of pesticide application. If it is necessary to spray the orchard (with fungicides, for instance), do so in the late afternoon or evening when bees and pollen are not present. Avoid tank-mixing products (i.e., combining more than one formulated product) during bloom until more is known in this area. Avoid applying insecticides during bloom until more is known about the applications' effects on honey bees, particularly to young, developing bees in the hive. Fortunately, there are several insecticide application timing options available beyond bloom-time treatments. California almond growers and others involved in the almond pollination process should follow these important best management practices to preserve the health of honey bees in California almond orchards. KEEPING HONEY BEES HEALTHY Honey bees are essential for successful pollination of almonds and the long-term health of the California almond industry. Why should almond growers — and all parties involved in almond pollination — care about healthy, strong bees? 3