Effect of different supplemental pollination methods and pollen storage intervals on fruit yield of custard apple (Annona Squamosa L.) cultivar balanagar

Abstract

Custard apple (Annona squamosa L) is, an arid tropical fruit, and its commercial production is limited by the low flower-to-fruit ratio, and asymmetrical shape fruits in consequence of inadequate pollination. A field study was conducted in 2024, during the flowering season at Horticultural Research Station, Adilabad, Telangana with different supplemental pollination methods and pollen grain storage periods on custard apple fruit yields of cultivar Balanagar. Fruit set and fruit quality varied significantly in weight, diameter, and the number of seeds per fruit as a result of pollination methods and pollen storage time. The hand pollination method with the pollen grain stored for 12 hours or 24 hours significantly enhanced the fruit yield and quality characteristics. All the supplemental pollination methods enhanced the fruit yields ranging from 20 to 65%, with symmetrical shapes in Grade 1 to 3 qualities that had high marketability. In conclusion, this research provides further evidence that supplementary pollination is necessary for increasing the yield and fruit quality in commercial custard production.