Journal d'horticulture
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Biofloral Phenology, Foraging Behaviour and entpollinatological effect of honey bees in Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) fruit quality and yield

A. S. Tanda

Entpollinatology or insect pollination is a key element in agribusinesses with bio mutual interactions among flowers. Both male (unfertile) and bisexual (fertile) flowers on the pomegranate (Punica granatum) allow it to be self-pollinated as well as cross-pollinated. Whilst the evidence suggests that insect pollinators including honey bees are of significant benefit in increasing the fruit set and quality of fruit yields. Studies have shown that generally, male flowers produced more anther numbers than bisexual flowers did. Wind played no role in the dispersal of the pollen. A. mellifera was the main pomegranate flower visitor and pollinator. Insect visitation rate was more at 21ºC and poor on foggy rainy or cloudy days. Bee foraging activity was increased at 1200 h. Fruit set in bee-pollinated and naturally-pollinated flowers did not vary significantly. Bee-pollinated (BP) fruits were bigger in diameter dark red, succulent, very tasty full of juice best in sweetness quality followed by naturally-pollinated fruits (NP). Average yield of the pomegranate was significantly better than self-pollinated (SP) flowers.