A review of kiwifruit pollination: Where to next?

Abstract

The likely role of various pollination vectors is considered in the context of flower anatomy and the published results of past experiments. A number of insects visit flowers of both female and male vines but there is as much evidence implicating wind as there is for an insect vector. Most experiments that investigated a likely role of wind alter wind flows and are confounded by the presence of honey bees. Similarly, evidence taken as support for the role of honey bees is confounded by the action of wind. Recent studies suggest that individual bees tend to work the flowers of one sex of vine or the other. Existing methods of measuring pollination effectiveness in kiwifruit are also questioned as is our understanding of incompatibility responses. An experiment that can help resolve these problems is outlined briefly.