Impact of isolated and unattractive crops on honeybee foraging: A case study using radio frequency identification and hybrid carrot seed crops

Abstract

Abstract Hybrid vegetable varieties have become essential for global agricultural production, offering key advantages for yield, quality and disease resistance. The production of hybrid seeds is however limited by pollination challenges, with these systems commonly associated with unattractive and low‐quality floral resources, isolated growing environments and frequent insecticide applications. Here, we utilise commercial carrot seed crops to investigate the impact of hybrid pollination on the behaviour of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Six full‐strength bee colonies were equipped with solar powered radio frequency identification systems and over 900 tagged bees per season. These colonies were deployed to commercial hybrid seed crops over two consecutive seasons. The colonies were allocated to either an on‐crop or off‐crop group. Individual bees were autonomously monitored for the pollination period to assess key parameters such as survival, age at foraging and the number and duration of orientation and foraging trips. Hybrid carrots were found to have a significant impact on bee foraging behaviour. Bees situated on the carrot crop undertook less frequent yet longer foraging trips, resulting in less total time outside of the colony compared to off‐crop bees. However, bees placed in carrot fields survived to an older age, orientated successfully, became foragers later and collected more pollen by weight, despite only 2% originating from carrot. We hope that the improved behavioural understanding can be utilised to enhance both pollinator health and hybrid seed production globally.