Goheung-gun, Operation of Kiwi Pollen Bank

Low Fruit Set Rate Requires Artificial Pollination

Germination Rate Must Be Checked Before Using Pollen

[Goheung=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shim Jeong-woo] Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do announced that it will operate a pollen bank within the Agricultural Technology Center for two months from April to May to produce high-quality fruit during the kiwi flowering season.

Actinidia deliciosa (kiwi) has a low fruit set rate due to natural pollination by wind and insects, making artificial pollination essential. Artificial pollination results in good fruit set even when abnormal weather occurs during flowering or when there are insufficient pollinators, and it improves fruit quality and sugar content, thereby enhancing marketability.

The pollen bank, which has been operating since 2003, is equipped with 32 units of 13 types of major equipment including a pollen preparation room, pollen applicators, and pollen selectors, allowing farmers to visit anytime to perform tasks such as germination rate testing and self-preparation of pollen.

Remaining pollen after artificial pollination is stored long-term to prepare for weather disasters the following year, supporting its use for artificial pollination in the next season.

A county official said, “To increase the effectiveness of artificial pollination, please be sure to conduct a germination rate test before using pollen, perform artificial pollination within four days from the day the female flowers bloom, and carry out the work before 9 a.m., when the stigma secretes abundant mucus.”

Goheung=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shim Jeong-woo sevenshim@asiae.co.kr

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