1、Pollination Insights-Improving Pollination in BlueberryLisa W.DeVetterProfessor of HorticultureWashington State University Most cultivars require or benefit from insect-mediated pollination Honey bees are the primary pollinator Pollination often variable and insufficient Growers need evidence-based
2、strategies to improve blueberry pollinationEeraerts et al.(2023)J.Appl.Ecol.;Thebeau et al.(2023)Front.Ecol.Evol.Pollinators ExcludedPollinators NOT ExcludedBlueberry Pollination New technology(just a few words)Mitigating extreme heat Bumble bee pollination Honey bee pollination Pollination requirem
3、entsTopics Highlighted TodayPollination RequirementsStan Chabert Highbush blueberry has a high degree of self-compatibility Yet,Vaccinium is partially self-sterile with an early-acting inbreeding depression Self-pollination causes some embryo abortion,which can limit fruit set and berry development
4、Cross-pollination improves pollination outcomes across most blueberry cultivarsData from Chabert and Mallinger at the University of Florida.Data based on greenhouse experiments and may not be transferrable to the field.Cultivar Responses to Cross PollinationBreeding for Parthenocarpy Cullen et al.(2
5、024)Scientia Hort.Parthenocarpy=fruit development without fertilization(and pollination)Non-pollinated parthenocarpic fruits were smaller,sweeter,less firm,and took longer to develop but still met market standards Breeding for parthenocarpy possiblePatrcio Muoz Individual blueberry flower requires 5
6、-15 visits by a honey bee 25-274 pollen tetrads per flower to maximize fruit set and mass Low attraction to blueberry flowers,but they can get the job done!Hive placement and colony strength impacts foraging and pollination outcomesHoney Bee Pollination Komatz et al.(2025)Scientia Hort.;Ramirez-Meji