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

Abstract

Insect visitation and pollination of the apple tree varieties Granny Smith, Sturmer, Jonathan, and Cox's Orange Pippin were studied during the blossoming period in the Nelson district. The only pollinating insects observed on ,the trees were honey bees and negligible numbers of Bombus terrestris Linn. Fruit-set was very low on Jonathan apple trees caged to exclude bees. Pollination of fruit trees in the Nelson district depends on the presence of adequate numbers of honey bees during the blossoming period. A density of about 40 honey bees per 30,000 flowers, estimated per minute, appears adequate, or more than adequate, for pollination of the varieties of apple studied. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.