Pollination compatibility studies between red and green colored cultivars of apple (Malus × domestica)

Abstract

Apples play a significant role in India, especially in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, where they are a major source of income for farmers. Apple is cross pollinated crop and pollination is a very important in apple for producing good quality fruits and high yield. In this study, at the Experimental Farm, Division of Fruit Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K), 30 cross combinations were made by using a randomized block design. Research into pollen compatibility among six pollen parent cultivars (Anna, Red Velox, Red Chief, Gala Redlum, Red Chief Camspur, Red Gold) and five maternal parent cultivars (Pinova, Golden Clone-B, Golden Delicious Reinders, Granny Smith, Sunhari) revealed that in phenological studies Anna exhibited early blooming, while Pinova, Red Chief, Gala Redlum, and Red Gold were mid-bloomers, and Granny Smith and Sunhari were late bloomers. Among the pollen cultivars, the highest rates of pollen germination were found in Red Gold, followed by Red Chief Camspur and lowest in Anna. Red Gold also exhibited the highest pollen viability trailed by Red Chief, Red Chief Camspur and lowest in Red Velox. Highest fruit set observed in Golden Delicious Reinders, Golden Clone-B, and Granny Smith with Red Gold. However, Anna demonstrated only partial compatibility with Pinova, Sunhari, and Golden Delicious Reinders, the highest fruit drop was observed in Pinova followed by Sunhari, Golden Clone-B, and Golden Delicious Reinders. This study provides valuable insights for farmers and researchers for choosing compatible variety before establishment of orchards and various other breeding operations.