Why plum orchards use artificial pollination

According to the product description, most plum trees are self-incompatible. Some varieties can self-pollinate, but the company says cross-pollination still gave larger harvests in orchards of self-pollinating varieties, and it recommends artificial pollination to keep fruit set stable.

The company reports an internal comparison between an orchard left to natural pollination and one given artificial cross-pollination with specific varieties:

These numbers come from the supplier's own experiment. They are not an independent test or a guarantee for your orchard. Results depend on variety, weather and how the pollen is handled.

Documented product specifications

The inventory figure is a snapshot from the product listing. Confirm current stock, packing, price and delivery terms directly with the supplier. This article makes no claims about any of them, or about certifications.

Selection criteria for buyers

1. Variety fit and pollen affinity

The supplier states that pollen affinity is directly related to germination rate. Before ordering, compare your cultivars with the listed suitable varieties. The description also says plums grown in China are grouped by fruit type into soft, juicy "water honey" plums (such as Nanhua plum) and crisp plums (such as Pan Yuan, red beauty, white beauty and Chi honey plum). The company says it collects pollen for both groups and offers variety analysis for your orchard or your customers. If your cultivar is not on the list, ask for that analysis rather than assuming the pollen will be compatible.

2. Germination percentage

The stated germination percentage is 65%. Use this figure, not the words "high germination rate" in the product name, when you compare offers or set requirements in a purchase specification.

3. Storage capability at your site

The pollen is living material and cannot be stored at room temperature for long:

• Use within 3 days: keep it in cold storage.
• Use after more than a week (for example, when flowering is uneven between sunny and shady slopes): keep it frozen at -18 ℃.
• Before use: take frozen pollen out 12 hours ahead and let it reach room temperature so it can become active again.

If you or your customers cannot provide cold storage or freezer storage, the product may not fit your supply chain.

4. Weather and temperature window

• The suitable pollination temperature is 15 ℃ to 25 ℃.
• Below this range, germination slows. Above 25 ℃, the pollen should not be used, because heat damages pollen activity and dries the fluid on the stigma that the pollen needs to germinate.
• Do not use the pollen in bad weather. If it rains within 5 hours after pollination, pollinate again.

Plan labour and quantity on the assumption that some re-pollination may be needed.

5. Moisture condition on receipt

The supplier keeps the pollen in a dry bag before shipment. If the pollen arrives moist, do not use it, because moist pollen has lost its activity. Inspect every lot when it arrives.

When this product does not apply

• Non-plum crops: this pollen is for plum pollination only. Apple, cherry and kiwifruit orchards need pollen made for those crops.
• Unlisted cultivars with no affinity check: confirm compatibility first.
• Flowering periods that are consistently above 25 ℃ or rainy: the stated conditions for use cannot be met.
• No cold-chain or freezer storage: the pollen cannot be held for long at room temperature.

Next steps

When you ask Hebei jiamingliang pollen Co., Ltd. for a quote, list your plum cultivars, orchard area, expected flowering dates and storage facilities. That information lets the supplier carry out its variety analysis and helps you check that the product fits your orchard. Confirm price, lead time, packaging and any documents for your destination market in writing before you buy.