Pollination
Many fruit trees require pollen to be moved from one flower to another. Some plants have separate male and female plants, such as some paw paw varieties. At the same time, others have male and female flowers on the same plant but on different parts of the plant. Other fruit trees are neither male nor female, but the female flowers need pollen from the male flower of another variety, such as some apple, plum and avocado varieties. Although the wind assists a few plants, without bees, agriculture, as we know, would collapse.
Bees
Bees are the most important pollinators on the planet. Their absence may result in complete fruit production failure. Many fruit plants in the southern hemisphere subtropics begin to bloom from July to November. Insects such as bees carry pollen from one flower to another, resulting in pollination (fertilization) of the flowers and developing them into fruits. Although not all plants require insects for pollination, most fruit trees require them to produce acceptable yields.
Pollination and Fruit yields
Self-fertile trees are less likely to be affected but have higher yields when pollination with the same or different varieties occurs. Therefore, attracting bees to your orchard is critical. In many commercial setups, farmers may rent bees from beekeepers at a cost, but that is not common in Zambia.
Unpollinated fruit on a tree is shrivelled and yellow. It will eventually fall off without maturing. Some self-fertile apple varieties have a different shape and colour than expected when not pollinated, but they remain viable until maturity. Unpollinated fruits from self-fertile varieties remain seedless or have tiny, underdeveloped seeds.
Pest control Vs maintaining pollinators
In mild weather, it’s important to keep bees coming to the orchard throughout the year and much more from August to November. Maintaining the balance in the ecosystem is vital to ensuring pest control measures do not eliminate pollinators and other beneficial insects. Organic sprays do not necessarily spare bees, but several steps may be taken to spare more bees during pest eradication.
Other pollinators
Other pollinators include flies, beetles, wasps, butterflies, bumble bees, and hornets. Some fruits require specific pollinators that evolved with that flower. The absence of such insects in specific geographic locations is why certain plants will not fruit outside their native regions, although small numbers may result from hand pollination. Small insects may have more success with small, inconspicuous flowers.
Attracting bees
Attracting bees to set up hives requires flowering plants all year round. In addition, companion plants, vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants and fruit trees will produce enough pollen to satisfy the bees. Our beehive took permanent residence five years ago, but a larger swarm comes in mid-September.
Pollinator flower ratios
The companion plants mustn’t exceed the fruit trees and other plants because they may keep the bees away from the fruit trees. In addition, unpollinated flowers eventually fall off the tree.
