Observations on the pollination of apple trees (Malus Sylvestris Mill.)

Abstract

Insect visitation and pollination of the apple tree varieties Granny Smith, Kidd's Orange Red, and Golden Delicious were studied during the blossoming period in the Hende;'son and Warkworth districts near Auckland. The only pollinating insects observed on the trees were honey bees and negligible numbers of Bombus terrestris Linn. and longtongued bumble bees (unidentified). Fruit set was very low In Granny Smith apple trees caged to exclude bees. Although density of honey bees per 30,000 flowers was greater than was previously found in Nelson, percentage pollination of apple varieties studied was somewhat lower. Certain orchards mibht benefit if hives were brought in for pollination. © 1968 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.