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

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.