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Data from: Comparison of yield characteristics of independence, a self-compatible almond variety, as affected by presence of honey bee pollinators

De la Luz, Angelita1; Ellis, Zachary2; Niño, Bernardo3; Stacy, William4; Nino, Elina L.4; Seshadri, Arathi5

Published Aug 08, 2025 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.t4b8gtjf1

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Abstract

Until recently, all the almond varieties grown globally, have been self-incompatible, a fact that drives the interdependent relationship between almond growers and the beekeepers that provide honey bee colonies for pollination. Recently, almond growers have begun a transition to self-fertile varieties, such as Independence, which do not require genetically distinct pollen from another ‘pollinizer’ (or pollenizer) variety to produce kernels. This transition is often combined with the assumption that due to the self-compatible nature of the trees, honey bee colony rentals for pollination can in turn be eliminated by the grower, thereby reducing costs for these orchards. However, the impact of eliminating rented colonies on almond quality and yield are not fully understood. Here, we explore the extent to which yields for Independence variety vary with and without honey bee pollination activity and across a range of hive stocking densities in almond orchards in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Practical implication: We found that trees that recieved honey bee pollination show significantly improved nut set and whole tree yields, ultimately resulting in economically meaningful gains to growers. Our economic model suggests specific honey bee hive stocking density recommendations considering that the surrounding landscape which will likely change as the acreages of self-fertile varieties continue to increase.