Pollination in orange sweet crop (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck, var. Pera-Rio)

Abstract

Pollination in sweet orange crop, Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck, var. Pera-Rio. The present experiment was performed to study the frequency and behaviour of insects on sweet orange flowers, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, the effect these insects on fruit production (quantity and quality) besides measurements of the collection type of more frequent bees. During three consecutive years the more frequent insect visiting the flower was Apis mellifera (africanized). The flowers visited by few or neither honey bees (until 9 visits) showed minor percentage of fruition. The fruit production was 35.30% greater in uncovered flowers. The mean weight of fruits was too greater in uncovered flowers (180.2g) than covered ones (168.5g). The fruits from the covered treatments were more acids (1.411g citric acid/100ml of juice) than uncovered ones (1.164g citric acid/100ml of juice). The number of seeds per bud was higher in uncovered treatment (1 seed/bud) than covered one (0.8 seed/bud).