Pollination and fruit set in the tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) Sendt.) 2. Patterns of flowering and fruit set

Abstract

Flowering and fruit set in the tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) Sendt ‘Oratia Round') were examined using both field‐grown and glasshouse‐grown plants. Tamarillo plants in the field had an extended flowering season from November until April, with individual inflorescences having open flowers for up to a month. The length of the flowering season is due to the growth habit of the plant and to the sequential flowering pattern within an inflorescence. Twelve percent of the flowers formed set fruit, but only 3% of all flowers developed into mature fruit. The major factors influencing fruit set appear to be the first fruit set limiting further fruit set within an inflorescence, and the resources available for inflorescence development at successive positions along a branch. High flower and fruit abscission appears to be a characteristic of the tamarillo. Excess production of flowers may serve to offset fruit loss as a result of disease or environmental conditions, and to provide a continual source of pollen to attract pollinators and allow pollination of later developing flowers.

Key words:

• abscission
• Cyphomandra betacea
• flowering
• fruit set
• resource limitation
• tamarillo