The Effect of Titanium Organic Complex on Pollination Process and Fruit Development of Apple cv. Topaz

Abstract

Optimal weather conditions are necessary for the proper course of the flowering process and high activity of pollinators, which is the most important factor affecting pollination. Because weather conditions do not always favour effective pollination and because pollinators’ activities are decreasing, the application of compound stimulating pollination and fertilization may be a good perspective for increasing yield. Titanium is considered a beneficial element for plants. Preliminary studies have indicated the positive effect of titanium organic complex on pollen adhesion to the stigma and pollen germination on the stigma of tomato and cucumber. Therefore, a 2-year experiment was designed to determine the effect of titanium organic complex application on the pollination process and fruit development of apple cv. Topaz (Malus domestica Borkh.) The experiment demonstrated the positive effect of titanium organic complex on fertilization of ovules because of effective pollination, seed setting, and fruit development of apple. Application of titanium organic complex improved pollen adhesion to the stigma and pollen germination on the stigma. In addition, titanium organic complex increased the number of pollen tubes growing through the pistil style, which resulted in fertilization that was more effective, as confirmed by the higher number of seeds set in fruits. Higher numbers of seeds set in fruits positively affected their weight and size. Therefore, fruit harvested from trees to which titanium organic complex was applied were characterized by greater weight, length, and diameter compared to fruits obtained from the trees to which titanium organic complex was not applied.

Opportunities to Improve Effectiveness of Pollination of Blueberry CV. ‘Bluecrop’

“…However, there was a tendency to a higher number of germinating pollen grains on the stigma of plants sprayed with TOC. Bieniasz and Konieczny [27] obtained similar results in the cultivation of apple. In the two following growing seasons, these authors sprayed an apple tree with TOC and observed more pollen grains on stigma and more pollen tubes reaching the ovary.…”

“…Dyki et al [25] performed the first studies, which showed that TOC positively affected pollination and fertilization processes, seed formation and fruit development of tomato and cucumber. Research carried out by these authors was followed by Bieniasz and Konieczny [27] and Bieniasz et al [35], who also demonstrated that TOC positively affected the pollination process, seed setting and mass of individual fruit of apples and strawberries, respectively. Janas [26] and Radkowski et al [28] in solanaceous crops and timothy demonstrated a higher number of seeds and their better quality as a result of the use of TOC, but did not conduct analysis of pollen adhesion to the stigma and growth of the pollen tube.…”

“…It has been proven that the TOC stimulates the processes of pollination and fertilization and as a consequence, seed setting and fruit development [25][26][27]. Dyki et al [25] demonstrated that TOC enhanced pollen adhesion and germination on the stigma, seed setting and fruit development of tomato and cucumber.…”

“…Dyki et al [25] demonstrated that TOC enhanced pollen adhesion and germination on the stigma, seed setting and fruit development of tomato and cucumber. Bieniasz and Konieczny [27] proved that TOC stimulated pollination and ovule fertilization, formation of seeds and development of the apple fruits cv. 'Topaz'.…”

Physiological Mechanisms of Titanium Regulation of Growth, Photosynthesis, and Mineral Absorption in Tartary Buckwheat

“…), and blueberry (Vaccinium spp. ), resulting in increased fruit set rate and fruit yield [45][46][47]. However, further research is required to establish whether the application of titanium directly promotes crop pollination and fertilization.…”