The Arkansas Black apple, known for its distinctive dark red to almost black skin and rich, complex flavor, is a cherished variety among apple enthusiasts. Valued for its crisp texture and ability to store well, its taste often improves after a period in cool storage. For a successful harvest of these unique apples, understanding their specific pollination needs is important.
The Basics of Apple Pollination
Apple trees, including the Arkansas Black, rely on cross-pollination to produce fruit. This involves transferring pollen from one compatible apple variety to another. Bees are the primary agents for this transfer, moving from flower to flower as they collect nectar. While wind plays a minor role, insects are important for effective apple pollination.
Arkansas Black’s Specific Pollination Requirements
The Arkansas Black apple tree presents a unique challenge because it is not self-fertile, meaning it cannot pollinate itself or other Arkansas Black trees. This variety is typically triploid, possessing three sets of chromosomes, which results in sterile or ineffective pollen. Consequently, an Arkansas Black apple tree cannot serve as a pollinator for other apple varieties. Due to its triploid nature, the Arkansas Black requires two different, non-triploid apple varieties planted nearby for successful cross-pollination. These two pollinator partners must be capable of pollinating each other as well as the Arkansas Black.
It is important to consider bloom times when selecting pollinator partners. Arkansas Black is generally a late-mid season or late bloomer, so its pollinator companions must have overlapping bloom periods to ensure pollen transfer can occur. Planting apple trees within 50 to 100 feet of each other is generally recommended to allow bees to move effectively between them.
Recommended Pollinator Varieties for Arkansas Black
To ensure successful fruit set for Arkansas Black apples, several varieties can serve as effective pollinators. Compatible options include ‘Jonathan’, ‘Yates’, ‘Golden Delicious’, and ‘Grimes Golden’. Other suitable varieties are ‘Gala’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Fuji’, ‘McIntosh’, ‘Red Delicious’, ‘Pink Lady’, and ‘Honeycrisp’. Crabapple varieties, such as ‘Dolgo’ or ‘Chestnut’, are also excellent choices because they bloom profusely and provide abundant pollen. When selecting, choose at least two non-triploid varieties that have bloom times coinciding with the Arkansas Black to meet its specific pollination needs.
Ensuring Successful Pollination
Beyond selecting appropriate pollinator varieties, several environmental and management factors influence pollination success. Weather conditions during the bloom period are important, as cold temperatures, heavy rain, or strong winds can reduce bee activity and hinder pollen transfer. Bees are less active in unfavorable weather. Maintaining a healthy population of bees, both wild and managed, is important for effective pollination.
Orchard management practices also play a role in supporting pollinator activity. Avoiding pesticide applications during bloom protects bees and other beneficial insects. Providing a diverse array of flowering plants nearby can attract more pollinators to the area. Ensuring the overall health and vigor of your apple trees through proper care can also contribute to a more abundant bloom, increasing the potential for successful fruit development.