Apple orchards are one of the major attractions in hills and contribute to farmer’s
economy. However, due to climatic variations and poor pollination, quantitative and
qualitative production is still not been achieved. Research has indicated that honey bees
are significant pollinators for temperate fruit crops by influencing fruit setting pattern and
reducing premature fruit drop. For assessing the value of pollination services in apple
orchards through Apis cerana, specific study has been undertaken in two different orchards
in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The comparative study has been made which revealed
that the fruit setting was significantly higher in orchard having pollination services from
bees than control site where the pollination was dependent on available natural pollinators.
These studies suggested that for enhancing the productivity and improving the quality of
apple fruits, pollination services through bees is of significant value.
