June gap
The June gap occurs in Ireland and Great Britain when there is a shortage of forage available for honey bees, typically occurring in June.
Subsequent to the massive volume of pollen and nectar produced by trees and hedges in the spring, there is a reduction in the amount of nectar available to the bees due to long grasses suppressing many wildflowers.[1] Before the herbaceous "summer rush" of July-through-September which reinstates the high level of nectar, the high hive populations brought around by trees in the spring struggle to produce honey and may lay fewer eggs. It is a time when beekeepers need to pay special attention to the levels of honey in the hive, as well as the level of water the bees use during this gap.[2] Annual weather patterns can cause this event to occur later or earlier.
Some plants which can provide nectar in this gap are Cotoneaster, the closely related Pyracantha, common garden [herbs], and perennial garden plants.[3]
See also
- Beekeeping in Ireland
- Beekeeping in the United Kingdom
- Forage (honeybee)
- Honeydew source
- List of honey plants
- Pollen source
References
- ^ "The "June gap" - a tough time for bees". Rosybee. 17 June 2011.
- ^ "Bees now into the "June Gap"". Impartial Reporter. 25 June 2009.
- ^ "Has the June gap come early?". Mrs Apis Mellifera. 7 June 2014.
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