What To Know
- The key to successful pollination lies in ensuring that the pollen from one flower reaches the stigma of another flower, and this needs to happen during the female phase of the recipient flower.
- When a beetle visits a flower in its female phase, pollen from the beetle’s body gets deposited onto the sticky stigma.
- The pollen grain germinates, sending a pollen tube down to the ovary, where the egg is located.
Cherimoyas, with their creamy, custard-like flesh and unique flavor, are a true delight. But getting these exotic fruits to bear fruit requires a bit of knowledge and effort. One of the key steps is understanding how to pollinate cherimoya.
The Basics of Cherimoya Pollination
Cherimoyas are self-incompatible, meaning they cannot be pollinated by their own pollen. This means you need two different cherimoya trees, ideally with different cultivars, to achieve successful pollination and fruit production.
The Role of the Flower
The cherimoya flower is a fascinating structure, designed for pollination by insects, particularly beetles. The flower has both male and female parts, but they mature at different times, making self-pollination impossible.
- Male Phase: The flower begins in the male phase, producing pollen. The anthers, which hold the pollen, are prominent and easily accessible to pollinators.
- Female Phase: After the male phase, the flower transitions to the female phase. The stigma, the receptive part of the female reproductive organ, becomes sticky and ready to receive pollen.
The Timing is Crucial
The key to successful pollination lies in ensuring that the pollen from one flower reaches the stigma of another flower, and this needs to happen during the female phase of the recipient flower.
Understanding the Pollination Process
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the pollination process:
1. Pollinator Activity: Beetles, attracted by the flower’s scent and color, visit the flowers. As they move from flower to flower, they collect pollen on their bodies.
2. Pollen Transfer: When a beetle visits a flower in its female phase, pollen from the beetle’s body gets deposited onto the sticky stigma.
3. Fertilization: The pollen grain germinates, sending a pollen tube down to the ovary, where the egg is located. Fertilization occurs when the pollen tube reaches the egg.
4. Fruit Development: After fertilization, the ovary begins to swell, eventually developing into the cherimoya fruit.
How to Hand-Pollinate Cherimoya
While nature does its best, you can improve your chances of fruit production by hand-pollinating your cherimoya trees. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Identify Flowers in the Male Phase: Look for flowers with prominent anthers and pollen grains visible.
2. Collect Pollen: Using a small brush or cotton swab, gently collect pollen from the anthers.
3. Identify Flowers in the Female Phase: Look for flowers with a sticky stigma, ready to receive pollen.
4. Apply Pollen: Using the brush or swab, carefully transfer the collected pollen to the stigma of the female flower.
5. Repeat: Repeat the process for multiple flowers on both trees.
Tips for Successful Hand-Pollination
- Timing is Everything: The ideal time for pollination is early in the morning, when the flowers are fresh and receptive.
- Gentle Touch: Be gentle when handling the flowers to avoid damaging them.
- Multiple Attempts: Pollinate each flower multiple times to increase the chances of successful fertilization.
- Patience is Key: It takes time for the flowers to be fertilized and for the fruit to develop. Be patient and observe your trees.
Beyond Pollination: Other Factors for Fruit Production
While pollination is crucial, other factors play a role in cherimoya fruit production:
- Sunlight: Cherimoyas require ample sunlight to thrive. Ensure your trees are planted in a sunny location.
- Water: Cherimoyas need regular watering, especially during dry periods.
- Nutrients: Provide your trees with the necessary nutrients through regular fertilization.
- Pruning: Pruning helps to maintain the tree’s shape and encourages fruit production.
The Joy of Cherimoya Harvest
With proper care and attention to pollination, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious cherimoyas. Enjoy the sweet, creamy taste of this unique fruit, knowing you’ve played a role in its journey from bloom to fruit.
Cherimoya Pollination: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pollinate a cherimoya tree with its own pollen?
A: No, cherimoyas are self-incompatible, so they cannot be pollinated by their own pollen. You need pollen from a different cherimoya tree.
Q: How many cherimoya trees do I need for pollination?
A: You need at least two different cherimoya trees to ensure successful pollination.
Q: When is the best time to hand-pollinate cherimoya trees?
A: The best time for hand-pollination is early in the morning, when the flowers are fresh and receptive.
Q: What happens if I don’t hand-pollinate my cherimoya trees?
A: Without hand-pollination, the chances of fruit production are significantly reduced. You may still get some fruit from natural pollination, but the yield will be much lower.
Q: What are some signs that my cherimoya tree has been successfully pollinated?
A: After pollination, the ovary of the flower will begin to swell, which is a sign that fertilization has taken place. You can also observe the petals of the flower wilting and falling off.
