Honey Bee Activity on ‘Magness’ and Pollenizer Pear Varieties

Abstract

Most varieties of pear ( Pyrus communis L.) are self-sterile and need pollination for adequate fruit set. Gardner et al.(5) recommended that provision be made for cross-pollination when planting a pear or apple orchard unless it was definitely known to be unnecessary for the variety and local conditions. Despite such precauions in the planting of several pear orchards of 'Magness' variety in Maryland, however, yields have remained low (8).