Effects of Apis mellifera Pollination on the Development and Quality of Citrus Fruits

Purpose The effects of pollination by Apis mellifera on citrus fruit development and quality were studied.

Method The experiment areas of pollination by two different ways, A. mellifera and the control group were set, fruit vertical and horizontal diameter growth dynamic condition, and fruit drop rate of citrus were observed. The content of soluble solid, sugar, acid, vitamin C were measured.

Result The diameter growth rate of citrus fruit pollinated by A. mellifera was significantly higher than the control group 70 days after flower withering. The fruit drop rate in the pollination group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05) during the falling bud period and the first physiological fruit drop period. But the rate between two groups was not significantly different (P>0.05) in the second physiological fruit drop period. There existed significant difference (P<0.05) in vitamin C content, total sugar and sugar acid ratio betweenA. mellifera pollination and the control group. Compared with the control group, A. mellifera pollination resulted in higher single fruit weight and lower rate of malformed fruit (P<0.05).

Conclusion A. mellifera pollination can improve the quality, fruit rate, single fruit weight and reduce the rate of malformed fruit, so as to increase production.