Apple

Malus pumila

What Should You Know About Pollinating Apple?

Apple entices pollinators like bees and moths through their vivid blossoms and sweet nectar. Adopting cross-pollination, these plants rely heavily on these visitors for pollination, which usually takes place during Spring, when the plant is in full bloom. The pollinators' interaction with the stamens allows for the transfer of pollen to the stigma, facilitating successful fertilization.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Apple?

Bloom Time

Spring

Primary pollinators

Bees, Moths

Potential pollinators

Birds, Wind

Western honey bee

Bumble bees

Hairy-footed flower bee

Saturniids

Common drone fly

How Does Pollination Occur in Apple?

Apple's flowers are hermaphroditic with five white or pink petals, having both male and female organs. Each flower holds numerous long anthers that produce pollen, which is essential for pollination.

In apple, cross-pollination occurs naturally, where pollen is transferred from one plant to the stigma of another plant's flower. Self-pollination is not usually successful.

How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Apple?

Plant Diversity

Increase plant diversity in the garden or farm to attract a wider variety of pollinators. Bees and moths are attracted to a variety of vibrant colored flowers, especially blue and yellow.

Water Source

Having a small water source like a bird bath or shallow dish filled with pebbles and water not only attracts birds but also bees and moths. These pollinators need water for survival and this will give them a regular supply in your yard.

Reduce Pesticides

Limit the use of pesticides as they can harm both primary and potential pollinators. Instead, use natural methods to control pests or choose organic or safe pesticides. Apply them at a time when bees and other pollinators are less active, like early morning or late evening.

Night Blooming Flowers

Since moths are nocturnal, planting night-blooming flowers can help attract them for pollination duty. Flowers like evening primrose or moonflower could be advantageous.

How Can You Determine if Apple has Been Pollinated?

Flower Color Change

After successful pollination, the blossoms of apple often change color from bright white to a faded pink or reddish-brown, indicating possible fertilization.

Fruit Formation

Successful pollination in apple leads to the growth of the fruit. If the plant begins bearing small, immature apples a few weeks after flowering, pollination is successful.

Petal Shedding

Apple's petals may fall off after successful pollination, leaving the seed heads to develop into fruit.

Blossom Drop

If fruit set isn't occurring, blossoms may drop off. It's typical for some fruit to drop early, but if most blossoms fall without fruiting, it may indicate that pollination didn't occur.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Apple

Normal

Difficulty

30 60 mins

Duration

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Apple?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is needed to gently collect pollen from the male stamen and transfer it to the female stigma.

Step Ladder

It may be needed to reach higher branches on the apple tree, as they can grow quite tall.

Markers

Markers can be useful to tag the flowers that have been hand-pollinated.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Apple?

Hand pollination of a apple should ideally be done in the morning when the flowers are freshly opened. It is recommended to perform this task during the blooming period which typically falls in Spring, between April to May.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Apple

Step1: Gathering Pollen

Gather pollen from the stamen of an apple flower using a small brush. This is best done in the morning when the pollen is fresh.

Step2: Transferring Pollen

Gently transfer the pollen collected onto the stigma of a different apple flower. Aim for the center of the flower where the stigma resides. Ensure that enough pollen grains land on the stigma for pollination to occur successfully.

Step3: Tagging Flowers

After successful hand-pollination, mark these flowers using markers for easy identification. This will allow you to track the progress of these flowers until they bear fruit.

Step4: Repetition

Repeat the process on different flowers across the tree. Ensure you’re selecting flowers that are freshly opened for best results.

Step5: Cleaning

Clean your brush thoroughly before moving to the next apple tree to avoid cross-pollination between different plant species.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Apple Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Poor Pollinator Attraction

If pollinators aren't drawn to apple's flowers, consider adding more pollinator-friendly plants or a bee nesting box in the vicinity.

Bad Weather

Weather conditions greatly affect the pollination process. Too cold, rainy or windy weather can restrict pollinators. Cover apple or provide windbreaks and shade if needed during extreme conditions.

Lack of Cross Pollination

Apple requires cross-pollination to fruit. If there is no suitable pollinator nearby, consider planting a compatible tree to increase pollination rates.

Preventive Spraying

Avoid spraying pesticides when apple is in bloom to prevent harm to pollinators. Use organic pest management and apply it in the evening to minimize harm.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

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