422 



THE APPLE 



When to make application. There appears to be considerable 

 controversy as to the best time of applying the pollen to the 

 pistils. The indications are that the receptivity of the pistil 

 depends much upon the maturity of the bud at the time of emas- 

 culation. This receptivity is also influenced by such factors as 

 climatic conditions, vigor and age of tree, variety, condition of 

 soil, and general care of the orchard reduced. 



The paramount question is whether better results can be obtained 

 by applying the pollen at the time of emasculation or waiting until 

 the pistil is receptive. Excellent results have been obtained by 



applying the pollen to the 

 pistil as soon as the blos- 

 som is emasculated, but this 

 success may have been due 

 to the fact that the blos- 

 soms treated were such as 

 would, under normal con- 

 ditions, open the day fol- 

 lowing the operation. It is 

 evident, from experiments 

 made, that in a great many 

 varieties the pistils are re- 

 ceptive before the blossoms 

 open. This tends to dem- 

 onstrate that nature encour- 

 ages cross-pollination rather 

 than self-pollination. One of the greatest advantages of pollinating 

 at the time of emasculation is the saving of time, as the bags will 

 not have to be removed. Many plant breeders, however, do not 

 make the application until two or three days after the blossoms 

 have opened, and their results have been satisfactory. 



The treated flower is inclosed in a paper bag to protect it from 

 other pollen until seeds have set. After a week or two the paper 

 bag is removed, and one of cheesecloth or mosquito netting is 

 substituted, to remain as protection for the fruit until harvested. 



Pollinating should be done on bright, sunny days, and is gener- 

 ally accomplished with much greater ease and assurity on calm 

 still days. 



Fig. 187. Bagging 



A good method of bagging and labeling a specially 

 pollinated flower. (Oregon Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station) 



