Are bees important for pollination?
No, sweet corn is wind pollinated and pollen moves from the male flower (tassel) to the female flower (silk). However bees can often be seen around the tassels as they are attracted by the very rich pollen. It is better to plant small blocks in several short rows rather than one or two long rows as this improves pollination. If bees are working in crops near the sweet corn during the tasselling and silking period, apply pesticides to the sweet corn late in the afternoon. This will protect the bees as they are least active in the evening.
