Pollinators face seasonal nectar shortages and environmental challenges

Research and horticultural insights highlight the critical roles and challenges faced by pollinators like bees and bumblebees. A study from the University of Sussex, published in Functional Ecology, confirms the existence of a nectar gap where food sources become scarce. While nectar is abundant in spring, honeybees face significant energy deficits between mid-July and late August due to a lack of suitable flowers, a situation exacerbated by heatwaves and drought.

In professional horticulture, bumblebees are utilized for greenhouse pollination, particularly for tomatoes. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees lack the communication methods to leave a controlled environment for better foraging sites, making them highly efficient for indoor agriculture. They are also noted for their ability to fly in cooler temperatures and poor weather, providing essential pollination services early in the spring.