THE FLOWER BEHAVIOR OF AVOCADOS 



171 



flowers are in the first or female opening. Observations indi- 

 cate tliat individual honey bees may not do this freely. 



o. Tlie ])ollinations wlien made must result in fertilization if 

 there is to be setting of fruit. There seems to be some evidence 

 from field jilantings which suggests that certain varieties cross- 

 fertilize more readily than others but whether this involves 

 merely increased cross-pollinations or affinities in fertilization is 

 not now known. 



At the present time there is no rule of thumb for the inter- 

 planting of avocados that will insure unc[ualified success. On 

 the basis of flower behavior alone, the orchardist makes no mis- 

 take to interplant every variety and to choose one or more pairs 

 for the interplanting whose reciprocating flower behavior i)ro- 

 vides chances for abundant cross-pollination. 



Any interplanting on this basis is better than none at all. 

 The grower may not immediately hit upon the best combination 

 which (1) provides the best opportunity for abundant cross- 

 j)ollination, (2) encourages and facilitates cross-visitations by 

 insects, and (3) involves strong affinities in fertilization, but he 

 will be no worse off than if solid blocks are planted and he stands 

 a good chance to increase fruit production. 



It is to be emphasized that interplanting aims only to correct 

 fruitlessness that is due to faulty or inadequate pollination. The 

 many enviroimiental and cultural conditions that affect or deter- 

 mine production of fruit must be met. They exist quite apart 

 from, independently of, and in addition to the problems of 

 proper pollination and they very frequently limit production of 

 fruit when all the conditions for proper pollination are fully 

 satisfied. 



While environmental conditions and cultural treatment 

 greatly influence the holding and the maturing of fruit, the set- 

 ting of fruits most likely to mature depends without a doubt on 

 proper pollination. That an increase in proper pollinations is 

 to be accomplished through cross-pollination is obvious. That 

 this is to be promoted through proper interplanting with consid- 

 eration of flower behavior is also fully obvious. 



