Gauteng Smallholder February 2016 | Page 34

VEGETABLES POLLINATION must produce ample amounts From page 31 to their bat pollinators. Bats service many plants used for medicinal, cultural and economic purposes. Some beetles also play a pollinating role, often of plants with bright red, orange or yellow odourless flowers. Many beetle species eat pollen, so the plants they visit of pollen to make sure that there is enough left to pollinate the flower after the beetles are finished eating. Moth and butterfly pollination is relatively common in the summer rainfall region. They also help with some subtropical fruits. Ants pollinate some nut flowers, while calliphorid flies and ladybirds contribute to onion pollination. Bird pollination is well known in Africa, with sunbirds, sugarbirds and several other bird species visiting flowers Bat pollinating aloe Bee on pumpkin flower regularly. In terms of crops honeybees are responsible for pollinating sunflowers, nut tree flowers, berries, citrus, subtropical and deciduous fruits, melons and watermelons, vegetables including pumpkin, most of the squashes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onion, carrots and cabbage. On a larger scale, crop farmers need beekeepers to bring honeybee hives to their farms for the few weeks the crop is in flower to provide the high density of bees needed for good pollination. Honeybees are highly mobile one. All removals are different but the basics must be shown by a beekeeper or discussed at the association before attempting. With your first swarm housed you are now drawn one into the fascinating craft of keeping bees and ensuring the health and future of these vitally important and fascinating insects. By Peter Clark (tel 011 3622904), author of the book Tales of an African Beekeeper and chairman for 2016 of the Eastern Highveld beekeeper's Association, assisted by secretary Mike Alter (tel 011 965-6040). BEEKEEPING From page 31 subject one learns from the beekeeper's association meetings. Perhaps you have a swarm to remove from a container or workshop cupboard, dog's kennel or old tyre lying in the yard? Such a first removal is best guided by an experienced beekeeper to assist 32 www.sasmallholder.co.za Continued on page 27