David Owens, Extension Entomologist; owensd@udel.edu and Gordon Johnson, Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu Honeybees are used extensively to ensure adequate pollination for vine crop vegetables (cucurbits) and for many fruit crops (apples, berries, etc.). Without good pollination, poor fruit… Continue Reading
Gordon Johnson, Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu A female watermelon flower will need around 500-1000 pollen grains to be fertilized effectively. This will require a minimum of 8 visits by a honey bee for seeded watermelons. In seedless watermelon… Continue Reading
Gordon Johnson, Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu Most commonly, misshapen strawberries during spring result from poor pollination. Strawberries are aggregate fruits. They have multiple ovules per receptacle where the fruit is formed. The strawberry receptacle may have up to… Continue Reading
Gordon Johnson, Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu Several growers have commented that fruit size in strawberries is smaller than normal in 2017. This poses the question “what affects strawberry fruit size?” In plasticulture strawberries, one critical factor with varieties… Continue Reading
Gordon Johnson, Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu The first watermelon plantings have gone in across the region. Markets for early watermelons are normally the strongest so early planting is often more profitable. However, fruit set is often below desired… Continue Reading
