Dioecious fruit trees, unlike most apple cultivars, exhibit separate male and female individuals. This means that one tree bears only pollen-producing (male) flowers, while another distinct tree bears only fruit-producing (female) flowers. Classic apple varieties are typically not dioecious; instead, they feature hermaphroditic flowers containing both male and female reproductive parts within the same blossom.
Dioecy impacts orchard design and fruit production strategies. Since female trees require pollen from a separate male tree for fertilization, careful placement is essential. The ratio of male to female trees must be considered to ensure sufficient pollination. Historically, dioecious apple varieties might have been selected for specific traits, with growers carefully propagating and managing male and female trees to optimize yield and maintain desired fruit characteristics. These specific traits include the flowering phenology that can impact cross-pollination outcomes.
