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Important considerations for almond growers are hive strength and confirmation of arrival time in the orchard, generally no later than 5%<br />
bloom (photo courtesy Joseph Jackson.)<br />
Continued from Page 56<br />
bloom.<br />
Almond growers depend on strong, healthy hives that<br />
have at least six frames of bees and an average of eight<br />
frames of bees at the beginning of bloom.<br />
Hives that lack these frame minimums have very little<br />
‘field force,’ House said, and do very little pollinating. It<br />
would take seven to eight four-frame hives to equal one eightframe<br />
hive. House explained that the numbers in the hives<br />
keep the hive warm and take care of the queen and the brood.<br />
An eight-frame hive has a field force of about 6,400 bees that<br />
actively go out to collect pollen, nectar and water. A fourframe<br />
hive will have only about 800 bees living in the hive.<br />
That is the reason hive inspection and grading is recommended,<br />
House and Qualls agreed.<br />
“It’s like paying for 1,000 gallons of fuel and receiving only<br />
800 gallons,” House said.<br />
About 15% of the hives should be inspected. An apiary<br />
inspector can conduct the inspection and growers should<br />
observe. An inspection will determine if the terms stated in<br />
the grower/beekeeper agreement are being met.<br />
The Almond Board of California Honey Bee BMPs noted<br />
that growers should be sure to notify the beekeeper of the<br />
inspection so they can assist in handling the hives. It is best<br />
to let the hives acclimate to the orchard landscape before<br />
conducting the inspection.<br />
Colony strength evaluations not only help ensure growers<br />
get what they pay for, they also help ensure that beekeepers<br />
58 West Coast Nut <strong>Dec</strong>ember 2021
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