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Pollination
http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=15797		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  smiler [ Mar 23rd, '13, 22:08 ]
Post subject:  Pollination
My system is still in the planning stage, but I have a question.
I`m planning a lean-to greenhouse for my growbeds along a 12 metre south-facing wall of a barn, with the fishtank inside the barn.
I hope I can seal the greenhouse to keep out bugs and pests, with flyscreens to allow ventilation.
I know it will never be 100% sterile, but I can always introduce ladybirds(ladybugs) to combat any future aphid infestation.
The question is, how would my plants get pollinated in a near sterile environment? Please bear in mind I am allergic to bee/wasp stings so introducing them is not a preference.
Is my only option to pollinate manually?
Author:  Charlie [ Mar 24th, '13, 08:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pollination
I do a lot of hand pollenating as bees seem scarce around my house. Works pretty well.
Author:  gazza [ Mar 24th, '13, 08:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pollination
maybe some fans to aid wind pollination
Author:  earthbound [ Mar 24th, '13, 11:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pollination
Yes, hand pollination can be quick and easy.. I've seen tomato producers use electric tooth brush type devices, the vibration of the stem is enough to drop the pollen and cause pollination.
Author:  dancinhrblady [ Mar 24th, '13, 12:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pollination
Attachment:
StinglessBee3.jpg
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While bee stings can be a real problem... for the most part, bees do their work, and go home. If you find a bee in the wrong spot, it is either poisoned or dying.
smiler, You might want to look into a breed called a 'stingless bee' They're fair small, and a hive would be fair simple to maintain. You need only have an avenue in to the greenhouse area, that you can close. They sleep come dark, of course, and they really aren't interested in humans.

I'm not 'allergic', but I do suffer a dreadful local reaction. I assume you keep an epi-pen on hand? Be safe, but make space for our flighted wonders. Without 'em, Einstein said we'd only last about four months.
Author:  smiler [ Mar 25th, '13, 02:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pollination
Thanks for the replies - looks like manual pollinating it is, although I will look further into the stingless bees.
Author:  Gunagulla [ Mar 25th, '13, 08:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pollination
There are a few native bees that don't sting, and the Italian Honey Bee really only stings if you squash it- I often pick them out of water in our 2 baths used as goldfish ponds by hand and they dont try to sting me. I too get a fairly big local reaction, but it seems to become less severe if I get a few stings over a period of a few months, which happens every now and then when out riding the mountain bike.
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