Theoretically, if you don't want the bees involved, you would be best to bag the flower truss so that it can self pollinate and keep the fruit true to type. I'm not sure at what point you can be certain that the bees are not involved though so you'd have to do this pretty quickly in the open before the bees get to them. Even in the hothouse the air gets filled with clouds of pollen ( according to my allergic husband) and the mix is going to be there even without bees. I plan on bagging next year because there are a few varieties that are worth saving. Other more experienced growers than me might have better advice - I'm a play it by ear type of gardener ;-) I draw the bees attention by planting borage and lambs ears which they love. Some of those bumble bees are big enough to saddle and ride aren't they? I believe there is a move to export them to the north island because they are such good pollinators. There's a lot of debate about the merits and commercial tomato growers seem to be in the thick of it.
Cheers
Linda |
Here is a link that might be useful: Debate about Bumble Bees.
