Vol. 73 No: 4

Title:
Selecting for Improved Pollination at Low Temperatures in Apple

Authors:
S.P. PETROPOULOU and F.H. ALSTON

pp: 507-512

Abstract:
By studying pollen germination in vitro and the growth of pollen tubes in styles of detached flowers, an assessment was made of differences between apple cultivars in pollen tube growth and stylar receptivity at low temperatures. Pollen of ‘Redsleeves’ gave the highest germination at 8°–10°C followed by ‘Falstaff’ and ‘Spartan’ while ‘Cox’, ‘Greensleeves’ and ‘Fiesta’ pollen germinated poorly. Results from the detached flower experiments were in good agreement with the field and greenhouse experience with intact flowers and with known cropping performances after low temperatures at pollination time. ‘Redsleeves’, the most productive, showed the highest stylar receptivity. At 5°C, ‘Spartan’ and ‘Redsleeves’ were the most effective pollinators for ‘Cox’. ‘Fiesta’ styles were highly receptive at low temperatures and were successfully self-pollinated at 15°C. It is suggested that diagnosis of compatibility on the basis of S allele status is insufficient for the determination of reliable pollinators. Stylar receptivity and pollen potency should be considered first during screening for effective pollinators.

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