Pollination and fruit set - additional information

Site altitude, aspect and slope

Provision of adequate shelter in the orchard

Frost damage

Suitable pollinating varieties

Self fertility

Pollination using ornamental crab apples or other Malus species

Production of adequate quantities of viable pollen

The number of trees of the pollinating variety planted in relation to the numbers of the main variety

The management of the pollinating variety in the orchard

Creating suitable habitat for wild insects suitable for pollinating

Attractiveness to honey bees

The influence of spray chemicals on pollen germination and growth

Applying sprays of macro- and micronutrients to aid pollen germination, pollen tube growth and fruit set

Installation of a frost protection system

Use of chemical sprays designed to provide some protection from frost and winds

The Effective Pollination Period or EPP

Supplementing pollen supply in the orchard using floral bouquets

Supplementing pollen supply in the orchard by grafting

Pollen compatibility

Pioneer and mentor pollen effects

Pollen quality (viability)

Dormancy and synchrony of flowering times

The stigmatic surface and style

Induction of fruit set and retention with plant growth regulating chemicals

Branch orientation and its effect on fruit set and retention

Vigour of shoot growth and its effect on fruit set and retention