2013 Controlled Pollinations Update by Matt Brinkman, Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator
Pollinations occurred across the state in June despite late flowers and pollen, heavy cicada damage, and relentless rain and thunderstorms. The trees threw another curve ball at us this year, with female flowers and male pollen developing later than expected, along with some irregular timing in various locations. In total, roughly 1,000 bags were placed on trees in central and northern VA. Pollinations are complete in Central VA. 77 bags were pollinated in Fairfax, but some pollination in Northern VA are still waiting to be completed. Pollinations in the Catawba Valley have been postponed until next year to allow for better planning of both orchard locations to grow the progeny and appropriate selection of genetic lines from Meadowview with Fred Hebard, TACF Chief Scientist. The Southwest VA restoration branch has been busy mobilizing volunteers to help with thousands of pollinations at the Meadowview Research Farm. Cicada damage has been heavy in some locations, including Green and Fauquier and may reduce harvest as additional branches with bags drop before burs mature.
