Honey bees are important pollinators of South African blueberries despite their inability to sonicate

• Honey bees significantly increase yield in blueberry variety Ventura. Blueberry yields still show a pollen deficit. can be effective pollinators of blueberries areas which lack bumble bees. Animal-mediated pollination is an essential ecosystem service on over third the world's agricultural crops depend. fruit production highly dependent animal and although visited by range bee species their native settings, are thought to primary pollinators. Demand for has increased recent years due perceived health benefits. Consequently, cultivation expanded well beyond original range, including several regions where not present. In South Africa, like many world, honey only commercially available because countries ban importation This study aimed determine benefits Ventura comparing bee-pollinated flowers were excluded. Our results that berry mass diameter. We conclude Africa pollinated bees, substitute unavailable. also determined extent could improved under achieved through hand pollination. found lower than pollination, suggesting there potentially room improve Furthermore, we offer conceptual figure demonstrate how obtained pollinator exclusion, open relate each other. Additional research required beneficial other varieties as likely vary depending variety.