Question

In the lower Himalayan region of northern India, apples are an important cash crop that contribute significantly to farmer's livelihoods. The fruit yield in apple cultivation is declining continuously, associated with climate change and a significant decline in the population of natural pollinators. A researcher-farmer group set up two experimental apple orchards at two distinct locations: Places A and B. In apple orchards at Place A, they allowed natural pollinators to pollinate the flowers of the apple. In apple orchards at Place B, they applied mixed farming techniques of beekeeping. Along with honey, the farmer yielded apples. The yield of apples is depicted in Fig. 11.24, in terms of fruit setting (number of fruits/the total number of corresponding fruit-bearing branches) and fruit drop (premature falling of developing fruits) in the two types of experimental places of apple orchards.

1. What are the hypotheses the researcherfarmers group has thought of for this investigation?
2. What are the different parameters in the experiment?
3. Compare and analyse the data of two experimental orchards Places A and B, in terms of high yields of apple fruits.
4. Based on your analysis, what do you infer from the data?

Answer 1

1. The group may have hypothesised that:
   • the decline of natural pollinators reduces apple fruit set and yield;
   • managed bee colonies through beekeeping will improve pollination, increase fruit set, and reduce fruit drop compared to relying on natural pollinators alone.
2. Independent variable: method of pollination (natural pollinators vs. beekeeping). Dependent variables: fruit setting percentage and fruit drop percentage. Controlled parameters should include same apple variety, similar tree age, soil, climate, water, sunlight, orchard management practices, and measurement methods.
3. From the graph, Place B (beekeeping) shows higher fruit setting and lower fruit drop than Place A (natural pollinators). Higher fruit set and lower premature fruit drop mean more mature fruits remain on the trees, leading to a higher apple yield.
4. Managed pollination by bees is effective in overcoming the decline of natural pollinators. It improves pollination, increases fruit set, and reduces premature fruit drop, so mixed farming with beekeeping can increase apple yield and also provide honey.