Case Study 30 RubusPollination Aware
This case study is the primary source of information on potential pollination services for the industry. It is based on data provided by industry, the ABS and other relevant sources. Therefore, information in this case study on potential hive requirements may differ to the tables in the Pollination Aware report (RIRDC Pub. No. 10/081) which are based on ABS (2008) Agricultural Commodities Small Area Data, Australia 2005-06. Introduction Rubus is a large genus of flowering plants from the Rosaceae boysenberries, youngberries and loganberries (DPI.VIC 2002). family, subfamily Rosoideae, of which there are believed to be On the other hand, most commercial raspberry varieties are of hundreds if not thousands of species as well as hybrid species European origin but some have been developed from hybridisa- created both in nature and artificially. Most of these plants have tion with native North American varieties (Rubus strigosus) woody stems with prickles, spines, bristles and gland-tipped (McGregor 1976). hairs which are often referred to as brambles. Bramble fruit are generally separated into two groups, raspberries (Rubus idaeus Raspberry and blackberry cultivars range from completely self- L), and cultivated blackberries (Rubus subgenus Eubatus) (DPI. fruitful to completely self-unfruitful with most erect blackber- VIC 2002) and have a number of culinary uses ranging from ries being fruitful yet prostrate growing cultivars often requiring fresh fruit, to being processed into jams, yogurt flavouring or pie cross-pollination (McGregor 1976). Because rubus berries are fillings. made up of an aggregate of druplets (each druplet only forms after its pistal has received pollen) yield and fruit quality can be Cultivated blackberries come in a number of different varieties significantly improved from honey bee pollination (Chagnon et which vary in growth characteristics, fruit size and shape and al. 1991; DAF 2005; Langridge and Goodman 1985; McGregor include but are not limited to varieties such as blackberries, 1976). Rubus production in Australia The Australian rubus industry includes the production of Three markets exist for bramble fruit growers in Australia raspberries, blackberries, and the hybrid brambles boysenberry, including the fresh fruit market, the supply to jam and confec- loganberry and youngberry. There are approximately 120 tionary companies, and lastly the ‘pick your own’ enterprises growers producing rubus crops across all states except the where the customer comes and picks their own berries (DPI.VIC Northern Territory with negligible amounts in Western Australia. 2002). The major production states are Victoria, around the Dandenong Ranges and Gippsland, and throughout Tasmania (ARGA 2005) Estimated total annual production in 2003/04 of rubus fruit in (Figure 1). Production regions for raspberries are shown in Australia was 800 tonnes, with a gross value of approximately Figure 2. $10 million. Imported rubus fruit during the same period totalled 2,400 tonnes with an estimated value of $9 million. and drought after 2004 (ARGA 2005). Exports occur on a small scale and there is potential for large growth in fresh fruit sales as the price is steady, demand is reliable and cultivars that suit export are available. Processed fruit is a limited market due to competition from imports and an inability on Case Study 30 both sides to establish long-term, large-volume contracts (ARGA 2005). Pollination Aware
Actual production in 2007/08 (ABS 2008) was reduced to 723 reliable and cultivars that suit export are available. Processed and drought after 2004 (ARGAtonnes 2005) .which Exports may occur have onbeen a small as result scale of andfield there plantings is potential that for largefruit is a limited market due to competition from imports and growth in fresh fruit sales as the price is steady, demand is reliable and cultivars that suit export are and drought after 2004 (ARGAwere impacted 2005). Exports by phytophthora occur on aand small drought scale afterand there2004 is(ARGA potential foran inabilitylarge on both sides to establish long-term, large-volume available. Processed fruit is a limited market due to competition from imports and an inability on growth in fresh fruit sales as the price is steady, demand is reliable and cultivars that suit export are both sides to establish long-term,2005). large -Exportsvolume occurcontracts on a(ARGA small scale 2005) and. there is potential for contracts (ARGA 2005). available. Processed fruitlarge is a limitedgrowth marketin fresh due fruit to sales competition as the price from is importssteady, demand andF igure an inability is 1 Production on of rubus crops per state in tonnes (ABS 2008) both sides to establish long-term, large-volume contracts (ARGA 2005).
Figure 2 Production regions
F igure 1 Production of rubus crops per state in tonnes (ABS 2008) for raspberries in Australia Figure 1 Production of rubus crops per state F igure 1 Production of rubus crops per state in tonnes (ABS 2008) (ABS 2008) in tonnes (ABS 2008)
F igure 2 Production regions for raspberries in Australia (ABS 2008)
Pollination in rubus
Raspberries and cultivated blackberries are an aggregate fruit which means the flowers consist of a number of separate pistals, each of which must be pollinated for the formation of each druplet. Raspberry and blackberry cultivars range from completely self-fruitful to completely self-unfruitful Pollination in rubuswith most erect blackberries being fruitful and prostrate growing cultivars often requiring cross- pollination. However, it has been found that even in self-fruitful cultivars, providing insect Raspberries and cultivated blackberries are an aggregate pollinationfruit greatlythat attracts enhances an the abundance yield and fruitof pollinating quality of crops insects, (Chagnon especially et al. the 1991; DAF 2005; which means the flowers consist of a number of separateLangridge andhoney Goodman bee (McGregor1985; McGregor 1976). 1976) Numerous. studies have shown pistals, each of which must be pollinated for the formation of increases in yield and fruit quality when bees are brought into a each druplet. Raspberry and blackberry cultivars range from berry crop during flowering. Chagnon219 et al. (1991) found the
completely self-fruitful to completely self-unfruitful with most number of druplets and berry weight of raspberries on flowers erect blackberries being fruitful and prostrate growing cultivars openly pollinated by honey bees were both significantly higher often requiring cross-pollination. However, it has been found than those from the bagged control (Table 1). There were also that even in self-fruitful cultivars, providing insect pollination strong positive correlations between the number of honey bee greatly enhances the yield and fruit quality of crops (Chagnon et flower visits and druplet numbers, thus honey bee visits were F igure 2 Production regionsal. 1991;for raspberries DAF 2005; in Langridge Australia and (ABS Goodman 2008) 1985; McGregor also strongly correlated to average berry weight (1991). F igure 2 Production regions1976). for raspberries in Australia (ABS 2008) In Knoxfield, Victoria, Langridge and Goodman (1985) studied
Pollination in rubus Nectar is secreted in large amounts from blackberries and the role of honey bees in the pollination of loganberries raspberry flowers and both nectars have a high sugar content by comparing yield and fruit quality from caged and open- RaspberriesPollination and cultivated in rubus blackberries are an aggregate fruit which means the flowers consist of a number of separate pistals, each of which must be pollinated for the formation of each druplet. Raspberries and cultivated blackberries are an aggregate fruit which means the flowers consist of a Raspberry and blackberry cultivars range from completely self-fruitful to completely self-unfruitful number of separate pistals, each of which must be pollinated for the formation of each druplet. with most erect blackberries being fruitful and prostrate growing cultivars often requiring cross- Raspberry and blackberry cultivars range from completely self-fruitful to completely self-unfruitful pollination.with most However, erect blackberries it has been foundbeing fruitfulthat even and in prostrateself-fruitful growing cultivars, cultivars providing often insectrequiring cross- pollination greatly enhances the yield and fruit quality of crops (Chagnon et al. 1991; DAF 2005; pollination. However, it has been found that even in self-fruitful cultivars, providing insect Langridge and Goodman 1985; McGregor 1976). pollination greatly enhances the yield and fruit quality of crops (Chagnon et al. 1991; DAF 2005; Langridge and Goodman 1985; McGregor 1976). 219 219 Page 2 Rubus
pollinated plants. No difference in the total number and Table 1 Honey bee foraging and weight of fruit harvested was observed although significant raspberry pollination (Chagnon improvements in berry quality were seen. Numbers of reject et al. 1991) fruit resulting from honey bee pollination was 8% compared with 50% for control plants. This corresponded to a farm Treatment Open Bagged gate value of roughly double for the honey-bee-pollinated pollinated fruit compared to the non-honey-bee-pollinated fruits. After Number of 78.7 50.4** deducting the cost of hiring the bees, it was calculated the net druplets per berry extra return to the grower from open-pollinated fruit was $1,876 per hectare (Langridge and Goodman 1985). Berry weight (g) 3.16 2.04** ** Significant reduction P<0.01
Pollination management for rubus in Australia There are a number of factors within a crop which have a direct Density of bees bearing on the pollination efficiency of honey bees: Recommendations for the number of hives required for cultivat- ed blackberries vary. The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAF 2005) recommend that between two Crop layout to ten hives are necessary, with some at higher rates of seven to Plant and blossom density • : Raspberries are usually grown on ten hives per hectare. Garces and Morales (1995) found that the a hedgerow system with 2.5–3.5m row spacing and plants average visitation to blackberry flowers was eight seconds with are grown 0.6–1.0m apart giving a density of 2,860–6,670 honey bees most active between the hours of 10am and 4:30pm plants per hectare (Paulin 2005). and recommended that two hives per hectare was needed for adequate pollination. Cultivated blackberries are grown on trellises with a plant spacing of 1.5–2.0m giving a density of 1,430–2,670 plants For raspberries recommendations from the USSR include 1–7 per hectare. Rows will be spaced according to the type of hives per hectare and 0.5–2 hives per hectare are required for machinery available to the grower; however, normal rows optimal pollination. In Tasmania, there have been reports of are 2–3m apart (DPI.VIC 2002). $25 per hive being charged by apiarists for raspberry pollination • Access: From a beekeeper’s point of view, all-weather truck (DAF 2005). access is highly desirable. Limited access may lead to an increased workload for the beekeeper, uneven placement of hives and thus inefficient pollination. Ensuring the Arrangement of hives beekeeper has good access will aid in placement of hives and Hive placement in an orchard is very important and will dictate be mutually beneficial to the grower (increased pollination the level of bee-foraging activity and thus degree of pollination efficiency) and the beekeeper (decreased labour effort). achieved. Bees will tend to work along rather than across
Page 3 Case Study 30 Pollination Aware
the rows (DPI.NSW 2000) which may lead to non-uniform bramble berries than to growers of less attractive crops (such as pollination of the berry crop especially in hedgerow raspberry almonds). orchards. Hives should therefore be placed evenly and in greater numbers along rows rather than between them. Feral bees Orchardists relying on feral bees for part or all of their pollina- Timing tion services should be similarly aware first, that feral colonies Flowering is initiated after the winter frost (around September are unlikely to be at full strength at the time of flowering and, to November) and can persist for between three and six weeks second, that even if they were, foraging by these bees is unlikely (DAF 2005). A study by Szklanowska (1991) of six different to be sufficiently intense to achieve the level of pollination raspberry cultivars showed that the quantity of pollen supplied required for optimal production especially if there are alternative by the flowers was greatly influenced by weather conditions. floral resources available to the bees in the same vicinity. Pollen quantity of flowers was also high at the start of flowering and during full bloom and declined towards the end of flowering (Szklanowska 1991). Bees should therefore be introduced at Risks the onset of flowering to maximise the transfer of pollen and Pesticides: One of the biggest drawbacks of placing bees near any maximise yield. agricultural crop is the possibility of colonies or field bees being affected by pesticides. Pesticides should be kept to a minimum while hives remain on the property. Most poisoning occurs Attractiveness, nutritional value of when pesticides are applied to flowering crops, pastures and pollen and nectar weeds. In general, the nectar and pollen from cultivated blackberries It is strongly recommended that growers take the following steps is produced in quantity (DAF 2005), however, variations occur to prevent or reduce bee losses: between cultivars and different environmental conditions (Karp et al. 2004). Both nectar and pollen are attractive to pollinating • follow the warnings on pesticide container labels insects, and the plants have been shown to be a source of surplus • select the least harmful insecticide for bees and spray late in honey that is light amber in colour with good flavour (McGregor the afternoon or at night 1976). • do not spray in conditions where spray might drift onto Raspberry nectar is also highly attractive to pollinating insects adjacent fields supporting foraging bees because of the abundance with which it is produced (16–20mg • dispose of waste chemical or used containers correctly per flower have been reported) and its high sugar content • always warn nearby beekeepers of your intention to spray in (sucrose content of 47–49%) with honey yields for two varieties time for steps to be taken to protect the bees; give at least in Bulgaria equal to 116 and 59kg per hectare (DAF 2005). two days’ notice Raspberry pollen is also a strong pollinator attractant (Chagnon • always advise nearby farmers. et al. 1991). Weather Availability of bees for pollination Temperature and rainfall have a marked effect on honey bee Both cultivated blackberries and raspberries are attractive to activity. Bee activity is very limited below temperatures of 13oC, honey bees in terms of the quantity and quality of nectar and with activity increasing up to around 19oC, above which activity pollen they produce, and both are known to yield surplus honey tends to remain at a relatively high level. Decreases in both after bees have serviced an orchard (DAF 2005). Apiarists numbers of bees visiting blossoms and the distance from the hive would therefore be more inclined to supply hives to growers of at which bees forage occur with a decrease in temperature.
Page 4 Rubus
Potential pollination service requirement for rubus in Australia Optimal use of managed pollination services in all rubus planta- tions in Australia would require a service capacity as indicated in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Potential pollination service requirement for rubus plantations in Australia State Peak month Area (ha) Average hive Estimated number total density (h/ha)* of hives required VIC November 386 4.5 1,737..0 NSW November 84 4.5 378.0 QLD November 31 4.5 139.5 SA November 16 4.5 72.0 TAS November 96 4.5 432.0 Total 613 2,758.5 Notes: Area sourced (ABS) 2008. Agricultural Commodities: Small Area Data, Australia, 2005-06 , hive density and flowering from DAF (2005), flowering (SA.Gov 2003).
Page 5 Case Study 30 Pollination Aware
References ARGA 2005. Strategic Plan for the Rubus Industry 2005–2009. KARP, K., MAND, M., STARAST, M. & PAAL, T. 2004. ‘Nectar Australian Rubus Growers Association. production in Rubus arcticus’. Agronomy Research, 2: AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS (ABS) 2008. Agri- 57–61. cultural Commodities: Small Area Data, Australia, 2005–06 LANGRIDGE, D.F. & GOODMAN, R.D. 1985. ‘Honeybee o (Reissue), ABS N 7125.0. pollination of loganberries (Rubus loganobaccus L.H. CHAGNON, M., GINGRAS, J. & OLIVEIRA, D.D. 1991. Bailey)’. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 25: ‘Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Foraging Behavior 224–226. and Raspberry Pollination’. Universite du Quebec a MCGREGOR, S.E. 1976. Insect pollination of cultivated crop plants. Montreal, Departement des Sciences biologiques, C.P. 8888, USDA, Tucson, Arizona. Succ. ‘A’, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 3P8. PAULIN, B. 2005. ‘Farmnote: Growing raspberries and bramble- DAF. 2005. ‘Honey bee pollination benefits for crops and berries’. In: HORTICULTURE, D. O. (ed.), Perth. orchards in Western Australia’, [Online]. Department of Agriculture and Food in Western Australia. Available: SA.GOV 2003. Weed Managaement Guide. CRC for Australian
This case study was prepared as part of Pollination Aware – The Real Value of Pollination in Australia, by RC Keogh, APW Robinson and IJ Mullins, which consolidates the available information on pollination in Australia at a number of differ- ent levels: commodity/industry; regional/state; and national. Pollination Aware and the accompanying case studies provide a base for more detailed decision making on the management of pollination across a broad range of commodities. The full report and 35 individual case studies are available at www.rirdc.gov.au.
Page 6 Rubus
Notes
Page 7 This project is part of the Pollination Program – a jointly RIRDC funds for the program are provided by the funded partnership with the Rural Industries Research Honeybee Research and Development Program, with and Development Corporation (RIRDC), Horticulture industry levies matched by funds provided by the Australia Limited (HAL) and the Australian Government Australian Government. Funding from HAL for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The program is from the apple and pear, almond, avocado, Pollination Program is managed by RIRDC and aims to cherry, vegetable and summerfruit levies and voluntary secure the pollination of Australia’s horticultural and contributions from the dried prune and melon agricultural crops into the future on a sustainable and industries, with matched funds from the Australian profitable basis. Research and development in this Government. program is conducted to raise awareness that will help protect pollination in Australia. RIRDC Publication No 10/137 ISBN 978-1-74254-107-5