FROM BEES TO HONEY: POLLINATION

Are you a pollinator? Pollination is how flowering plants reproduce. The process involves the transfer of pollen from the male part of the flower called the stamen to the female part of the flower called the stigma of the same plant or a different plant. Pollen is a fine powdery substance made of microscopic particles or grains. The movement of pollen allows the plant to exchange genetic information with other plants. Bees are the most efficient pollinators or pollen movers for many crops pollinating flowers as they forage for the nectar and pollen which they collect to feed their young. Honey Bees consume nectar (honey) and pollen is the bee bread both which is provided by flowers. Nectar provides energy for flight, colony maintenance and general daily activities. Pollen provides protein and is essential for hive growth (bees home). So, let’s find the parts of a flowering plant where the pollen is transferred and buzzzzz around the role of the honey bee as a pollinator!