Pollination Requirements for Tree and Small Fruits
In the flower, pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther to the
stigma. After pollination and fertilization, fruit set occurs. There are two
types of pollination. Self-pollination occurs when the pollen is transferred
from the anther to the stigma on the same flower, from another flower on the
same plant, or from a flower on another plant of the same variety.
Self-pollinated plants are said to be self-fruitful. Many plants cannot produce
fruit from their own pollen and are considered self-unfruitful. These plants
require cross-pollination for fruit set. Cross-pollination is the transfer of
pollen from one plant to the flower of a genetically different plant or variety.
Pollination is an important factor when selecting and planting tree and small
fruits. A list of pollination requirements for the various fruits is presented
below.
Fruit Trees
Apples - Most apples are self-unfruitful. A few varieties, such as
Jonathan and Golden Delicious, set a good crop without cross- pollination.
Generally, however, plant at least two different varieties for maximum
production (Most flowering crabapples will pollinate nearby apple trees).
Nectarines - Most nectarine varieties are self-fruitful.
Peaches - Most peach varieties are self-fruitful.
Pears - Most pears are self-unfruitful. A few varieties, such as
Kieffer, will set a fairly good crop without cross-pollination. However, for
maximum fruit production plant at least two different varieties.
Plums - Japanese plums are self-unfruitful. European plums are
partially to entirely self-fruitful. Hybrid plum varieties (crosses between
American and Japanese plums) are self-unfruitful. European plums will not
pollinate the hybrid plums and vice versa.
Fruit trees that require two different varieties for pollination should be
planted within 50 to 100 feet of one another to insure good fruit set.
Small Fruits
Figs - Set fruit without pollination (parthenocarpic fruit
set).
Blueberries - Plant two or three different varieties for maximum
production.
Blackberries - Blackberries are self-fruitful.
Elderberries - Elderberries are essentially self-unfruitful. Plant
two or more varieties to insure good fruit set.
Grapes - Grapes are self-fruitful.
Muscadines - Some varieties of Muscadines are self-fruitful while
other varieties are self-unfruitful. A self-fruitful plant can pollinate
eight surrounding self-unfruitful plants. Within a row, plant 3:1
(self-unfruitful to self-fruitful).
Raspberries - Raspberries are self-fruitful
Strawberries - Strawberries are self-fruitful.
Additional information on fruit pollination
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