Microclimatic conditions and colony strength shape honey bee (Apis mellifera) foraging behavior and achene set in greenhouse strawberries
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Greenhouse strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) production during winter in temperate regions relies heavily on managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies for effective pollination. However, greenhouse microclimate conditions and seasonal colony weakening may alter pollination efficiency. This study quantitatively evaluated the effects of temperature, relative humidity, and colony strength on honey bee flight activity, floral visitation, and fruit set in commercial greenhouses. Ten colonies were introduced into ten strawberry greenhouses, and bee activity and foraging behavior were monitored across multiple daytime surveys. Fruit quality was assessed based on the proportion of normally developed achenes per fruit. Flight activity peaked at approximately 17-19°C and declined under higher relative humidity, while colony strength had a positive effect on both flight activity and visitation frequency. The proportion of normal achenes increased with temperature and relative humidity but decreased with greater colony strength, and floral visitation did not show a direct effect. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that temperature and humidity directly influenced both activity and fruit set, whereas colony strength affected activity but did not translate into improved fruit development. These findings indicate that pollination efficiency in winter greenhouse strawberries is governed primarily by thermal conditions rather than colony size. This study provides practical guidance for optimizing climate management to enhance pollination effectiveness and fruit quality in protected cultivation systems.
Abstract
Greenhouse strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) production during winter in temperate regions relies heavily on managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies for effective pollination. However, greenhouse microclimate conditions and seasonal colony weakening may alter pollination efficiency. This study quantitatively evaluated the effects of temperature, relative humidity, and colony strength on honey bee flight activity, floral visitation, and fruit set in commercial greenhouses. Ten colonies were introduced into ten strawberry greenhouses, and bee activity and foraging behavior were monitored across multiple daytime surveys. Fruit quality was assessed based on the proportion of normally developed achenes per fruit. Flight activity peaked at approximately 17-19°C and declined under higher relative humidity, while colony strength had a positive effect on both flight activity and visitation frequency. The proportion of normal achenes increased with temperature and relative humidity but decreased with greater colony strength, and floral visitation did not show a direct effect. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that temperature and humidity directly influenced both activity and fruit set, whereas colony strength affected activity but did not translate into improved fruit development. These findings indicate that pollination efficiency in winter greenhouse strawberries is governed primarily by thermal conditions rather than colony size. This study provides practical guidance for optimizing climate management to enhance pollination effectiveness and fruit quality in protected cultivation systems.