Determinación de la eficiencia de cuatro niveles de flores polinizadas, utilizando dos métodos de polinización manual, en chirimoya (Annona cherimola Mill), Guachapala-Azuay-Ecuador

Abstract

Chirimoyas originated in Ecuador, where it is valued for its exquisite flavor. However, its cultivation in the country remains neglected resulting in very low yields, poor fruit quality and lack of information about production systems. In countries like Spain, Perú and Chile, the cultivation of chirimoya has been improved by artificial pollination and control of the fruit quality. This work was oriented to establish optimal levels for artificial pollination of chirimoya flowers through two methods in 4 year old chirimoya trees under forced production. The proyect was conducted in Guachapala canton, in Azuay, in an orchard planted at a 4x1,5m spacing. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design in factorial arrangemente 3x2+1. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted in R and SPSS. Twenty five, fifty and seventy flowers per plant were pollinated either using and “insuflador” o a brush. Each experimental unit consisted in one tree with four replicates per treatment plus an unpollinated control. A total of 28 trees were used in the experiment. The variables measured were fruit number, fruit weight, and the relationship between relative humidity, temperature and pollination. Using the “insuflador” was better than the brush for pollination. The optimal number of flowers to pollinate was 50 flowers per tree. A high relative humidity in the morning and noon showed a negative correlation with the number of fruit set under our conditions.