The effects of windbreaks on the blossom‐visiting fauna of apple orchards and on yield

SUMMARY Windbreaks of coir netting were erected in apple orchards during the flowering period in 1969 and 1970 in an attempt to increase the number of insect pollinators present. Suction traps were used to sample flying insects; insects visiting trees were sampled by examination of flowers. The sheltered zone behind the windbreaks contained more of most species of insects than elsewhere. Increases in final fruit set of approximately 30% in 1969 (cv. Cox's Orange Pippin) and 20 % in 1970 (cv. White Jersey) occurred in trees receiving maximum shelter, and these were due mainly to the increased abundance, and possibly increased activity, of honey bees there. Fruit size was not reduced where yields were increased.