Articles
VARIABILITY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF BEE COLLECTED KIWIFRUIT POLLEN
Article number
297_38
Pages
291 – 298
Language
Abstract
Bee collected pollen pellets (BCP) offer a potential source of relatively cheap pollen for enhanced pollination of kiwifruit.
However, considerable variation has been detected in field performance of BCP. Experiments were undertaken to determine the ability of an in vitro viability test to predict in vivo performance.
The test showed either a linear or asymptotic relationship with final fruit size, depending upon the amount of pollen applied per flower.
The influence of moisture content at flowering, and after cold storage, and the proportion of male kiwifruit pollen in the BCP on pollen quality was examined.
However, considerable variation has been detected in field performance of BCP. Experiments were undertaken to determine the ability of an in vitro viability test to predict in vivo performance.
The test showed either a linear or asymptotic relationship with final fruit size, depending upon the amount of pollen applied per flower.
The influence of moisture content at flowering, and after cold storage, and the proportion of male kiwifruit pollen in the BCP on pollen quality was examined.
Publication
Authors
N.B. Pyke, P.A. Alspach
Keywords
fruit size, honey bees, pollen germination
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