Which of the following crops depend on honey bees for pollination?

Apples are a prime example of a crop that benefits significantly from honey bee pollination. Honey bees play a crucial role in the pollination process of apple trees, which is essential for fruit development. The act of transferring pollen from the male parts of the flower to the female parts increases the likelihood of fertilization, leading to fruit set. Apples are entomophilous, meaning they rely on insects for effective pollination, making honey bees particularly important for improving yield and quality.

In contrast, crops like wheat, rice, and bananas are either wind-pollinated or self-pollinating, meaning they do not require the assistance of honey bees for successful fertilization. This is why the role of honey bees is particularly vital for the pollination of apple crops and not as critical for the others listed.