Honey bees are major pollinators of which crop?

Honey bees play a crucial role in the pollination of many crops, and alfalfa is one of the most notable examples. Alfalfa relies heavily on insect pollination, particularly from honey bees, to produce seeds effectively. The flowers of alfalfa are structured in a way that encourages bees to seek out the nectar, leading to efficient transfer of pollen from one flower to another. This interaction greatly enhances the crop's yield, making honey bees essential for alfalfa cultivation.

In contrast, crops like wheat and various grains typically rely on wind pollination rather than insects, hence they do not need honey bees for successful reproduction. Grasses, much like grains, are predominantly wind-pollinated and do not benefit from insect pollinators. Thus, while honey bees are integral to the success of alfalfa, they do not have the same impact on the other crops listed.