Bees have been scarce in my backyard. In fact, this problem is nation wide. The little bit of research that I have done points to pesticides as the reason.
This year, I have quite a few bees, and so I have had abundant pollination of my squash and zucchini plants.
A few days ago, I noticed a peculiar-looking zucchini. Besides its overtly phalic appearance, something else about it seemed abnormal. While almost six inches long (yeah...right...), it has a blossom that has never opened!
After some research, I learned that there is something called a parthenocarpic variety of zucchini. The plant does not require pollination to produce. It did not create itself, however. Veggieologists created it, without the means of artificial chemicals or anything else detrimental to our health. See this website for more info: http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/westchester/Homeowner%20Newsletter%20Links/PARTHENOCARPY.html
What I haven't verified yet is the presence of a non-pollinated zucchini on a standard plant, which is what I've got!!!!
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