ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE-INDUCED TEMPERATURE EXTREMES ON THE POLLINATION BIOLOGY AND FRUIT SET OF TEMPERATE ORCHARDS

Abstract

Climate change presents a pressing challenge for temperate fruit orchards, where temperature fluctuations and extreme weather events significantly affect plant phenology, pollination, and fruit productivity. This study investigates the quantitative effects of climate-induced thermal stress on flowering success, fruit set, pest dynamics, and cultivar resilience. Data collected from diverse orchard environments revealed that temperatures exceeding 25°C markedly decreased pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and fruit set. As shown in our results, fruit yield per tree and fruit quality, including sugar content and firmness, were negatively impacted under heat stress, with pest incidence increasing concurrently. Pollinator activity also declined with rising temperatures, linked to changes in nectar sugar composition and foraging behavior. Among evaluated cultivars, Y1 demonstrated superior adaptability, maintaining higher yield stability and physiological resilience. Optimized irrigation improved both yield and fruit size, emphasizing the role of water management in climate adaptation. Figures and tables highlight strong correlations between climatic variables and physiological plant responses. The study concludes that targeted adaptation strategies—such as selecting heat-tolerant cultivars, enhancing water use efficiency, and promoting pollinator health—are essential to mitigating climate change effects and sustaining orchard productivity. These findings provide a scientific foundation for climate-resilient horticulture and regional policy interventions.