Firman Pollen - Application

Application:

Application can be divided into two areas:
When pollen is applied, or the application timing, and two, what tools are used to apply the pollen, or application methods.

Timing:
Pollen is a living material that must be applied to a receptive flower in order to set fruit.

Flower receptivity:
Getting pollen to the flowers at the right time is critical. The flowers must be receptive in order to set fruit. The receptivity of most flowers is from 12 to 72 hours after they open, depending on weather conditions. With the shorter period during hot dry weather and the longer period during cool moist periods. It is easy to tell when the flowers are most receptive to pollen.

Pick a just opened flower. Clustered in the center will be about 20 football-shaped pollen sacs. These anthers are smooth when still holding their pollen and shrivel up when they have released their pollen. There is no mistaking the difference; it's like grapes to raisins. With cherries and plum a small hand loop might be helpful. In pears the color actually changes from red to green! When some but not all of the anthers have shed their pollen the flower is its most receptive. In cooler climates the flowers may not begin to shed pollen for one to three days after they open, in warmer climates flowers will be shedding pollen as soon as they open. Pollen application should be timed to flower receptivity.

Bloom Stage At Application:

The Firman Pollen Company recommends a minimum of two applications of pollen during the bloom period. Half the recommended pollen should be applied at about 20 to 30 percent of flower receptivity. The second half should be made at 60 to 70 percent of flower receptivity. In warm climates the applications will correspond with the actual stage of the bloom. In cooler climates the first application could well be at 50 to 60 percent bloom and the second at full bloom. During extended blooms the recommended amount of pollen may be spread out over more application days.

Methods:

Bee Application:
The most common way to apply supplemental pollen is though the beehives that are already in the field. We offer a beehive insert that is placed at the hive entrance and pollen is transferred to the bees as they enter and leave the hive. The pollen is then carried to wherever the bees are flying. The insert is the least expensive way to deliver pollen to the trees.

Dusting Applications:
Dusting applications allow more control over the pollination process. With dusting, pollen can be delivered to specific areas of a field. This is beneficial if the customer wishes to "try pollen" before investing in a full field application. Or if only a certain section of a field has light pollinizer bloom. Application is slightly more expensive and we recommend a higher rate of pollen per acre. Dusting is the only choice if poor pollination is a result of the bees not liking the variety of tree that is under setting.

For specifics on pollen application check out the listed instructions:
Power Duster Instructions		Beehive Inserts
Pollination by hand		ATV Application

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