What is the single most important pollinator for agricultural purposes?
Honey bees, although not native to the U. S. Native pollinator insects like bumble bees, butterflies, moths, and ants also play a vital role in pollination across the country. Although honey bees get all the attention, native bees can be efficient and sometimes superior pollinators compared to honey bees. For example, in one study, researchers looking at 600 fields in 41 cropping systems found fruit set can increase twice as much with wild-insect visitation compared to honey bees.
What vegetables don’t need pollinators?
While the flowers may attract bees and other pollinators, insect pollination is not necessary. Examples of self-pollinating vegetables include beans, peas, okra, tomatoes, pepper, and eggplant. Examples. Wheat, barley, oats, rice, tomatoes, potatoes, apricots, and peaches are some examples of self-pollinating plants. Cross-pollination is possible in many plants that are capable of self-pollination.Many, but not all, crops are self-pollinating. This includes: beans), broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, kohlrabi, onions, and peppers. Fruit trees also self-pollinate including apples, cherries, peaches, and pears.
How do I increase pollination in my garden?
Include a diversity of plants. Different flower sizes, shapes and colors, as well as varying plant heights and growth habits, support a greater number and diversity of pollinators. Include a combination of native plant species, heirloom plants and herbs in your pollinator garden. Other pollinator-attracting annuals include zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, lantana, tithonia, and snapdragons. Look for plants that have simple flowers—double-petalled, frilly flowers make it harder for pollinators to reach the nectar and pollen.