National Honeybee Foraging Week to kick off toward sustainable bee-keeping
JOBURG — Sustainable beekeeping comes under the spotlight as National Honeybee Foraging Week is schedule to kick off.
The South African Bee Industry Organisation (Sabio) is launching the National Honeybee Foraging Week from 22 to 29 September toward the sustainability of bee farming in the country.
With spring upon us and blossoming flowers making their grand appearances, it is important to remember that this season is when colonies of bees begin to pollinate important crops across the country.
The fruit industry, for instance, relies on honeybees to pollinate blossoms during spring before the bees move on over to the farms and gardens for pollen and nectar.
The sustainability of bee-keeping depends on certain plant species including sunflowers, wildflowers and indigenous trees, which assist bees in building colonies that contribute positively to biodiversity.
Mike Allsopp from the Agricultural Research Council’s Honeybee Section added, “A lack of good quality and variety of forage can lead to unhealthy honeybee colonies that are more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Weak honeybee colonies are less effective in pollinating our crops”.
In the winter rainfall region, forages of ericas, proteas and bichus are essential energy sources for the bees, whereas species of aloe, thorn trees and sweet thorn make excellent forages in the summer rainfall region.
Chairman of Sabio, Mike Miles said, “Crops that provide a high value to bees, such as canola, citrus, sunflowers and lucerne play a significant role in the healthiness of South Africa’s honeybee colonies. We need to promote bee-friendly gardens and agricultural practices.”
During National Honeybee Foraging Week, keep in mind that school gardens, city parks and road verges play vital roles in increasing the forage available for South Africa’s honeybees.
