Insects are scarce during the flowering period of Gaoping candied dates. Worry about production reduction and price increase
Quick Look
- Candied dates in the Gaoping area have entered the flowering stage, but due to the heavy rains in the south for nearly a month, the number of pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies, and flies has been greatly reduced, resulting in poor pollination.
- Farmers are worried that the fruiting rate will decline, the output may be reduced this year, and the price may rise before the Spring Festival.
- Currently, artificial pollination can only be strengthened to reduce losses.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The candied dates in the Gaoping area entered the flowering period in September, but were affected by the continuous heavy rains in the south in August, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of pollinating insects.
Candied dates are in their flowering stage and require insect pollination. (Photo by reporter Ye Yongqian)
The candied dates in the Gaoping area have entered the flowering stage, but the flowers in the garden are full of flowers, but there is no waiting for bees, butterflies, flies and other insects to pollinate. Candied date farmers said that due to the recent heavy rain in the south for nearly a month, the number of pollinating insects has decreased significantly, which will reduce the fruiting rate of candied dates and may reduce the production of candied dates this year.
The continuous heavy rains in the south in August this year caused a large reduction in insects. The number of bees, butterflies, and even flies became very small. September is the flowering period of candied dates. The reduction of these pollinating insects will cause the fruit fruiting rate to decline. The production of candied dates from the end of the year to the Spring Festival may be reduced.
Please read on...
A jujube farmer surnamed Wang in Gaoshu said that heavy rains in the south in August caused damage to various crops. Because the candied dates were in the growing season, as long as they were not severely soaked in water, the damage to the candied dates was limited. However, during the flowering period in September, a large number of pollinating insects were found. Not only were there fewer bees and butterflies, but the number of flies was also significantly reduced, which affected the pollination of candied dates. Farmers have adopted various methods to attract insects, but the results have been limited.
Jujube farmers pointed out that if pollination is poor, the fruiting rate of candied dates will be low. The peak sales season for candied dates is before the Spring Festival every year. If the output decreases this year, the market price will increase. Now we can only strengthen artificial pollination to avoid heavy losses.
The candied dates are ready to bear fruit after blooming. (Photo by reporter Ye Yongqian)
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Jujube production will decrease this year, and prices may rise before the Spring Festival
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Exactly what percentage of date flowers fail to be pollinated?
- What are the costs and effectiveness of artificial pollination?
- Are there any remedial measures provided by the government or farmers’ associations?
