A recent blog post by Dr. Hamutahl Cohen, of the UC Cooperative Extension, outlines the complex pollination process that impacts avocado production. Below are highlights from the article.
The key pollinators of avocados are bees (considered the primary pollinators of avocado), wasps, beetles, thrips and flies. Honey bees play a crucial role in pollination but typically visit just 1 – 3 trees and tend to prefer non-crop flowers over avocado blooms. Some of the honey bees known as “scout” bees can transfer pollen across greater distances but represent only a small percentage of the population. Bumble bees and wild bees also can contribute to pollination.
Dr. Cohen is conducting research in ten Ventura avocado groves to determine how pollinators are impacted by farm management, habitat and weather. Preliminary findings are as follows:
- Avocado trees surrounded by non-crop flowers have more honey bees visiting their flowers and higher fruit counts.
- Orchards near natural, non-crop landscapes have a more diverse pollinator population, but the researchers aren’t yet certain if this results in higher pollination.
- Pollinators are more active in warmer weather. Researchers are examining whether temperature variations within a grove impact pollinators.