Gardeners know that the apple harvest will be low if it is rainy during the apple tree flowering. Explain why this happens.

The reason for a low apple harvest during rainy flowering is that rain hinders the process of pollination, which is crucial for fruit development.

• Pollination mechanism: Apple trees, like many fruit-bearing plants, rely on insects (bees, butterflies) for pollination. Pollen needs to be transferred from the male part (anther) of one flower to the female part (stigma) of another flower, either on the same tree or a different one.
• Impact of rain:
• Rain washes away pollen from the anthers, making it unavailable for transfer.
• It also makes it difficult for pollinating insects to fly and forage, as they tend to stay in their hives or shelters during rain.
• Excessive moisture can also damage the stigma, reducing its ability to receive pollen.
• In some cases, prolonged wet conditions can promote the development of fungal diseases that affect the flowers, further reducing the chances of fruit set.

Without effective pollination, the flowers will not be fertilized, and therefore, apples will not develop, leading to a poor harvest.