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Phenology of wild apple species like pollinators of gala and fuji cultivars

The correct choice of pollinator cultivars is an important management factor for obtaining high productivity in apple trees. Many apple production regions in the world adopt wild apple species with the specific purpose of pollination. However, there is little information about the use of this species in the climatic conditions of South Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenological behaviour of thirteen wild apple species in relation to the fowering compared to Gala and Fuji cultivars, during seven years (2001-2007). All species and apple cultivars studied were conduced on M-9 rootstock. The wild apple species showed high variability at flowering and length throughout the years. The major overlap of the flowering period and major regularity throughout the years was obtained between Gala and Fuji cultivars. 'Prof. Spengler', 'Profusion', 'Winter gold' and 'John Downil' are the wild apple species with the greater potential of use like pollinators, which can be used like a pollination suplement of Gala and Fuji cultivars. The species Malus hopa, Malus eleyi and Malus atrosanguinea can be used like second option for pollination of Gala and Fuji cultivars because of the high blossom density.

Malus spp.; phenology; flowering; pollination


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