PREDICTING CROSS-POLLINATION AND NUT SET IN ALMOND ORCHARDS USING WEATHER, ORCHARD DESIGN AND THE SIZE OF THE POLLINATOR POPULATION
Project Number: 5342-21000-015-04
Start Date: Oct 01, 2007
End Date: Jul 31, 2010
1. Determine the progression of bloom for almond cultivars based upon temperature, 2. Estimate the number of bees on trees of different cultivars throughout bloom, 3. Estimate the proportion of bees carrying cross-pollen while foraging almond blossoms, 4. Estimate cross-pollination rates and nut set, 5. Start programming the almond pollination software package, and establish an area on the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center WWW site to disseminate information on almond pollination and findings from this project to date.
Data from the field will be used to generate equations for a model. Data collected in subsequent years will be used to test the accuracy of the equation in predicting the progression of bloom, foraging activity by bees through bloom, the size of cross-pollinating population, cross-pollination rates and nut set. Weather conditions will be monitored in the orchard throughout the bloom. Begin to write computer program for the almond pollination software packing using data from the 2008 bloom season. Documents Trust with Almond Board. Log 33385.
Formerly 5342-21000-014-28T (December 2008).