Pollination and fruit set

Introduction

If apple production is to be successful it is essential that abundant crops of large high quality fruits are set on trees, in every year. If the break-even point on capital invested in the orchard is to be achieved rapidly and the orchard is to move towards being a profitable investment, it is also essential that the trees begin cropping in the first two or three years following planting.

For these objectives to be achieved it is vital to ensure adequate pollination and fruit set.

The pollination and fruit set of apple trees can be influenced by many factors including:

  • The choice of site
  • Climatic conditions (and the provision of frost protection)
  • The planting of suitable pollinating varieties
  • The provision of bees in the orchard
  • Various management factors.