Pollination Deficit in Apple Orchards at Murree, Pakistan
Pollination Deficit in Apple Orchards at Murree, Pakistan
Rashid Mahmood1,*, Waqar Ahmad1, Muhamamd Khalid Rafique1, Ghulam Sarwar1 and Anjum Shahzad2
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted in twenty different managed and unmanaged apple orchards of Murree for determining relationship of different pollinator groups with crop yield. Apple is dependent on insect pollinators to set fruit. Farmers in Pakistan are generally not aware of pollination needs of apple. Results depicted a high population decline of Syrphids and Non-Apis bees. Syrphids were recorded as 12.65 to 13.85 per 250 flowers in 2013 but decreased in year 2014 by 7.82 to 7.88 per 250 flowers and Non-Apis bees was recorded as 6.15 to 7.59 per 250 flowers in 2013 which also decreased and recorded as 5.35 to 5.70 per 250 flowers in year 2014. The results showed the trends of increase in population of Apis mellifera and Apis cerana between 8.22 to 11.5 per 250 flowers in 2013 as compared to 1.12 to 13.92 per 250 flowers in 2014, whereas population of indigenous Apis cerana varied between 3.80 to 5.44 h per 250 flowers in 2013 as compared to year 2014 where it was recorded as 4.34 to 5.56 honey bees per 250 flowers. Apple fruits yield per tree ranged between 214.56 to 218.64 in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Average fruit weight varied between 124.84 to 127.34 g, average number of seeds varied between 7.95 to 7.73 seeds per fruit and yield per tree was recorded between 28.92 to 31.65 kg per tree. Number of Apple fruits per tree ranged between 145.72 to 164.58 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Average fruit weight varied between 103.66 to 112.13 g and average number of seeds varied between 7.73 to 7.95 seeds per fruit and yield per tree was recorded between 17.34 to 21.78 kg per tree. Eighteen different species were recorded under 16 genus and 07 families. Ceratina hieroglyphica, Halictus subauratus, Osmia caerulescens were reported first time from Pakistan.
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June 2017
Vol. 49, Iss. 3, Pages 761-1149
