Wind Pollination of Apple Flowers Under Insect Exclusion Nets Questions the Insect-Dependent Pollination Model of Modern Apple Plantations.

ABSTRACT: Pollination is essential for producing temperate-zone tree fruits like apples (Malus × domestica). While traditionally considered insect-dependent, this view may result from orchard designs tailored to European honeybees. Previous research showed that low-seed apples could develop in insect exclusion nets, suggesting wind as an alternative pollinator. This study investigated the paternal origin of seeds and fruit set under nets compared to open canopies. Netted canopies of 'Gala', Fuji', and 'Honeycrisp' set commercial fruit numbers without manual thinning. To determine the parental source of seeds, genotyping was performed using 16 SNP markers tailored for distinguishing apple cultivars, with primer design and genotyping conducted via the KASP™ system. Results showed signifi

SUBMITTER: Elsysy M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12030743 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature