TheIndispensable Honey Bee

摘要

In previous issues of Bee Culture magazine I have written of the 1973 report, "The Indispensable Honey Bee." In 1973 and today we continue to examine "the value of bees as crop pollinators."1 Then and now we appear to acknowledge the crops dependent upon pollinators, the crops that benefit from pollinators, and the "few crops whose need for bees is not too well known because there has not been sufficient research to clarify their pollination requirements."2 In 1973 the value of pollination was $7,671,000. Today the value of pollination to crops is $22-30 billion. However, academic scientists, nongovernmental organizations, and government still seek sufficient research to define the pollination needs and value to many crops. A similar refrain is alsoduplicated in 1973 and today that "the beekeeper is not young,"3 and few beekeepers are being replaced after retiring or leaving the industry. Sons and daughters of beekeepers in 1973 and today have been attracted to jobs offering more security with higher wages, and requiring less strenuous work across long periods of time. The lack of research concerning the value of pollination continues to short-change growers across the forty-three years. In 1973 pesticide usage increased to protect crops from pests, yet yields decreased. The connection in 1973 was not made that the pesticides killing bees had the effect of reducing crop yield for those crops dependent upon, and benefitted by honey bees.4 This connection is still weak today, due to lack of research, and a misunderstanding of the basics of agricultural balance. In 1973 the timing of pesticide applications was key to protecting honey bees, as it is today. And as in 1973 and today the solution proposed is still that beekeepers must move their beesso pesticides can be applied.