Boost blueberry yield with bumblebee pollination

Blueberry flowers are inverted and produce heavy, sticky pollen that honeybees struggle to release. Bumblebees perform buzz pollination, a natural vibration technique that frees more pollen with every visit. This results in better fertilization, higher fruit set, and berries that are larger, more uniform, and faster to ripen. Field results and scientific studies show up to 20 percent higher yields and up to twice as many premium grade I berries when bumblebees are used for blueberry pollination.

• Why are bumblebees better pollinators for blueberries?
  Bumblebees are more effective because they perform buzz pollination, a behavior that releases sticky blueberry pollen more efficiently. This leads to higher fruit set, better berry size, and more consistent yields, even in cool or cloudy weather.
• What is buzz pollination?
  Buzz pollination is a vibration behavior unique to bumblebees. By shaking their flight muscles while gripping the flower, they release pollen that honeybees cannot access. This process improves fertilization and overall fruit quality.
• How many bumblebee hives per hectare are needed?
  For most blueberry fields, the recommendation is 12 to 15 hives per hectare, placed when around 5 percent of flowers are open. This ensures optimal activity during the full bloom period. Adjustments can be made depending on crop density, variety, and local climate.
• How do bumblebees handle pesticide applications?
  Bumblebees can be protected during spraying by using the in-only system, which temporarily closes hive entrances to reduce exposure. Colonies remain healthy and continue to grow in blueberry crops after applications.

Thousands of growers around the world trust Biobest’s bumblebee pollination systems to achieve reliable, high-quality yields season after season. With over 35 years of expertise in sustainable crop management, Biobest combines scientific know-how with hands-on support to help you get the most out of every hectare.

Scientific data: consistent improvements

Multiple research trials confirm the superior performance of bumblebees in blueberry pollination across different climates and cultivars.

• Sun et al. (2021) compared the pollination efficiency of three bee species in northern highbush blueberry. The study demonstrated that bumblebees, through buzz pollination, achieved significantly higher fruit set and yield: 10 to 20 percent more yield and up to twice as many premium grade I berries (>18 mm) compared to honeybees.
• Cruz et al. (2024) evaluated bumblebee pollination in two blueberry cultivars. Their findings showed that bumblebee-pollinated plants produced heavier and larger berries, shorter ripening times, and a higher number of true seeds per fruit. This indicates stronger fertilization and earlier market readiness: a clear economic advantage for growers.
• INIA La Cruz trials, Chile (2002) provided early field evidence of these results. Bumblebee pollination led to better fecundation, higher fruit set, and larger, more uniform berries, reinforcing that the effect is consistent across regions and growing systems.

Together, these studies highlight that bumblebees are more reliable and efficient pollinators for blueberries than honeybees, delivering measurable gains in yield, berry size, and market quality.

Sustainability note

Bumblebee pollination is a natural, sustainable method that boosts yield while supporting biodiversity and environmental balance.

With the in-only system, colonies can be safely closed during pesticide applications, reducing exposure and protecting hive health. Once reopened, bumblebees resume pollination without disruption.

By choosing bumblebees, growers adopt a reliable, eco-friendly solution that fits modern sustainable farming practices and market demand for environmentally responsible production.