European bumble bees, Bombus terrestris, have been imported into
Japan for pollinating tomatoes in greenhouses in large numbers
since 1992, and have boosted sales of these tomatoes recently to
a record value of 50 billion yen. The bees survive well in Japan's
climate and are now found in 27 prefectures.
However, ecologists warn of the possible effects of these exotic
bumble bees on native Japanese species and native plants.
Professor Izumi Washitani of Tokyo University has been studying
the impact of B. terrestris on domestic species, warns that Japan
could lose valuable natural resources if these non-native bees
reach the high mountain areas where rare plants grow. There is
a growing movement to restrict breeding of B.terrestris and next
spring they may face import restrictions in a new law.
Tomatoe growers are concerned about the proposed restrictions
and want to take steps, such use of netting, in order to continue
using these bumble bees in their greenhouses.
Source: "Bee World", Vol.86 No.1 2005. (Article abridged)