Bees' pollination work stung by cool temps

Leelanau Enterprise » Bees' pollination work stung by cool temps

The unusually cold May climate, filled with frost warnings and nights dipping into the upper 20s and low 30s, has been preventing some bees from pollinating.

Nikki Rothwell, director of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Resource Station, said bees prefer warmer conditions. But with tart cherry trees in bloom, it’s a crucial time for pollination.

“Cherries are only susceptible for about six days,” she said. “So even if the blooms look visible out there, the reproductive parts aren’t able to produce a cherry.”