Bloom - Part One: Timing & Pollination Viability

BLOOM - PART ONE: TIMING & POLLINATION VIABILITY

Originally Published March 2021

Bloom is vital to the overall productivity and yield potential of every crop. 

Recently, I attended a conference for cherry production where a presentation about the viability of reproductive parts during the bloom stage was shared. The focus of discussion was narrowed specifically to cherries, however, the same concepts can be applied to all pollination-dependent crops. The concept of the viability of the reproductive parts is often overlooked because it appears to be complex; however, the research simplified this concept a little, showing there are about four days when the blossoms are considered fully open. On the first day the blossom opens, it is not yet receptive for pollen. When you consider this, you are now reduced to a three day window with the blossoms open and receptive for pollination activities to occur - that doesn’t leave very much time! 

With the reality of only three days of reproductive viability, timing is crucial. If weather conditions are unfavorable (i.e. windy, cold, rain, etc.) bee pollination activity can be further limited. You may be left with only a 24-hour window of actual ideal pollination conditions for bees (and other pollinators) to be out pollinating. 

Farming is done in real life and at real speeds; it is not done in a laboratory with ideal, controlled conditions. This is why the ability to adapt and adjust with these changing variables is vital. Let’s connect to discuss further and work out a plan to help ensure that all of the details are covered to help you be more productive each year as you continue growing crops and consistently produce at a high level.

Here’s to your crops’ success!