ollination is a key process in cherry production, as it ensures the formation of high-quality fruit. Below are the main recommendations from a study aimed at increasing pollination efficiency for this variety.
Areko is a mid-to-late season cultivar originating from Germany, resulting from a cross between Kordia and Regina.
It is notable for combining the best traits of its parent varieties, such as Kordia’s fruit quality and Regina’s productive, consistent tree with a similar growth habit.
Areko is a self-incompatible variety (S1S4), and therefore requires cross-pollination with compatible varieties that bloom at the same time.
Pollination is a crucial step in cherry production to ensure fruit set and quality. The following recommendations are based on a study conducted by agronomist Luis Valenzuela and promoted by ANA Chile®, with the goal of increasing pollination efficiency in the Areko variety.
A proper overlap of flowering between Areko and pollinizer varieties is essential for effective pollination. Each cherry blossom remains receptive to pollen for a relatively short window, usually between 12 and 48 hours after opening.
Hot and dry conditions during bloom shorten this period, although treatment with Retain can extend receptivity.
The behavior of pollinizer varieties, particularly in terms of flowering time, can vary significantly depending on the chosen agroclimatic zone (climate and soil), the season, as well as factors related to rootstock, training systems, and farming practices.
These areas include the central valley floor with coastal influence in regions VI and VII of Chile, where seasons are less defined and there are significant climatic variations between years, especially in summer and autumn, with episodes of heat stress in some seasons.
These areas include the central parts of regions VI, VII, and part of VIII.
These areas are located in the foothills of regions VI, VII, and VIII.
The annual cycle features well-defined, regular seasons: moderately warm summers, sharply cooling autumns, cold and steady winters, and gradually warming springs.
Figure 1.- We recommend the presence of 2 pollinators in the hot zone, Santina and Skeena, leaving a maximum of 2 rows of the Areko variety together, to ensure sufficient visits by bees carrying compatible pollen.
Bee flight behavior shows that about 82% of foraging occurs along the same row: bees move back and forth along rows but rarely cross between them (Fig. 1).
If commercially viable pollinizers such as Santina (particularly suited to warm zones) are used, entire rows can be planted, comprising 12.5% to 25% of trees in the block (Fig. 2).
Figure 2.- Proportion and distribution of Santina and Skeena as pollinators of Areko in the warm zone, looking for a dual purpose, both pollination and commercial use of pollinators and their practical management. Placing them in complete rows as the basis for each fourth or fifth row, supplemented with the pollinator Skeena.
There should be no more than 3 consecutive Areko rows. Complete Skeena rows can be used to reach 12.5% of trees (Fig. 2-2), or Skeena trees can be interspersed in the central Areko rows, distant from Santina rows, to total 4–5% of trees (Fig. 2-1 and Fig. 3).
When using commercially valuable pollinizers such as Kordia (well suited for mid to late zones), complete rows can be included, reaching over 12%, up to 25% of total trees (Fig. 3).
Again, do not exceed 3 consecutive Areko rows. Central rows should be integrated with Skeena, reaching 12.5% of trees (Fig. 3-2), or Skeena trees interspersed in central rows far from Kordia rows, totaling 4–5% (Fig. 3-3 and Fig. 1).
Figure 3.- Proportion and distribution of Kordia and Skeena, as pollinators of Areko in the central zone, with the aim of obtaining adequate pollination, as well as utilising the fruits of the pollinators with practical pollinator management. Kordia and Skeena are placed in alternating complete rows, 1 in every 4, or rows of Kordia integrated with the pollinator Skeena in the middle.
In these areas, it is advisable to plant complete rows of commercially viable pollinizers, particularly Kordia and Skeena, surpassing 12.5% and reaching up to 25% of pollinizer trees (Fig. 3).
As in other cases, no more than 3 consecutive Areko rows should be without pollinizers. Ideally, alternate with Skeena rows, reaching 12.5% for each pollinizer (Fig. 3-2).
If Skeena has lower commercial value, it can be interspersed in central Areko rows, farther from Kordia, comprising 4–5% of trees (Fig. 3-3 and Fig. 1).
Maximizing photosynthesis is essential through a combination of factors: well-balanced tree vigor, good canopy light exposure, and stable root moisture.
A helpful alternative when pollinizer distribution is inadequate. Branches with flowers from compatible varieties are cut at dawn.
Leave some pollinizer trees unpruned in winter to ensure flower availability.
Flowering branches should be placed in plastic bags with water and treated with Retain, then strategically placed along rows distant from pollinizers.
Apply 150 g of pure pollen in 6 doses between 20% and 80% bloom. Two applications per day for 6 consecutive days.
Treatment can be extended in case of bad weather (rain, cold, or cloudy skies).
Use of Rainier pollen (S1 S4), which is compatible with Areko. Doses: 45–50 g/ha per application. Two applications: at 40% and 70–80% bloom.
When needed, it is advisable to review pollinizer distribution based on Figures 2 and 3.
In new orchards, grafting or planting new pollinizer trees may help correct inefficiencies.
Partially replace Lapins with Santina, alternating rows. Skeena can also be added as an effective pollinizer.
Entire trees can be grafted. Carefully define:
Source: redagricola.com
Image source: Graeb
Luis Valenzuela Medina
Agricultural Engineer M.Sc., Chile
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