Beans

[colinc]

Funny thing is I'm weeding between the rows of beans today and there is not a bee to be seen,Is it temperature thing and they only forage them when it is really hot?

They will go elsewhere if there is a better return.


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[Brian Bush]

Funny thing is I'm weeding between the rows of beans today and there is not a bee to be seen,Is it temperature thing and they only forage them when it is really hot?

It may well be a temperature thing. Some plants have nectar flows at certain times of day or only at certain temperatures. Runner beans have their main nectar flow late afternoon/early evening. Lavender early in day.

 

[mickbees23]

I understand it that the extra floral nectaries act as a relief valve when the stem of the plant is overloaded with sap, starch and sugars. The plant then relives pressure by opening the nectaries to release the sap. So if that is the case then it would seem logical that they will only release when environmental conditions are right. Since the evil spring of March / April it has been quite warm but very dry and field bean yield of nectar may be quite low as a consequence.

Field beans here are about 18 inches high and in full flower but not in the vicinity of my bees. No idea what they are foraging on at the moment but lots coming back with yellow faces and the OSR is well gone.

Cheers, Mick.

 

[Curly green fingers]

I understand it that the extra floral nectaries act as a relief valve when the stem of the plant is overloaded with sap, starch and sugars. The plant then relives pressure by opening the nectaries to release the sap. So if that is the case then it would seem logical that they will only release when environmental conditions are right. Since the evil spring of March / April it has been quite warm but very dry and field bean yield of nectar may be quite low as a consequence.

Field beans here are about 18 inches high and in full flower but not in the vicinity of my bees. No idea what they are foraging on at the moment but lots coming back with yellow faces and the OSR is well gone.

Cheers, Mick.

Mine have been bringing in Broome pollen all over their faces also climbing hydrangea . and ceanothus . garden shrubs.. I grew a fair patch of broad beans but the holly behind was more to there liking .
To be onist the bumbles weren't over the broad beans much either this year .

 

[Finman]

.
I looked today field bean field. Tens of hectars big.

No bees or bumbble bees in plants. They have better to do in fireweed and spring rape, which are in full bloom.

Lots of aphids. No honey dew because it rains every day.

No extra floral exretions. At least no bugs harvesting it.
.

 

[enrico]

.
I looked today field bean field. Tens of hectars big.

No bees or bumbble bees in plants. They have better to do in fireweed and spring rape, which are in full bloom.

Lots of aphids. No honey dew because it rains every day.

No extra floral exretions. At least no bugs harvesting it.
.

But I bet they still produce beans!!!!

 

[Finman]

But I bet they still produce beans!!!!

Field bean is self pollinating.

.

 

[enrico]

Field bee is self pollinating.

.

And the field bean? Or just the field bee!
But now you,be edited it my post makes little sense to anyone! .

 

[Finman]

And the field bean? !

That was the idea

 

[Tonyatcwfarm]

Brought one hive to a field of beans last year
30% increase on yield on the home apiary colonies
Hardly scientific but I think worth moving hives

 

[Finman]

Brought one hive to a field of beans last year
30% increase on yield on the home apiary colonies
Hardly scientific but I think worth moving hives

I have noticed that bean is not a reason to move hives. But I have had every year bean field very near, and it is very unsure bee plant. We have better plants, where to move.

One hive to the field and... Compared to other hives.... And it was bean

...it does not go like that. It may be something behind the bean field.
.

 

[Beefriendly]

Brought one hive to a field of beans last year
30% increase on yield on the home apiary colonies
Hardly scientific but I think worth moving hives

Yes...last season my garden hives were 1 mile away from nearest rape. We shall call their yield 1. Out apiary... rape was about 500m away in next field. Yield was 1.4. Hives sat on edge of a field of rape. Yield was 2.2.

Several hives at each site.