Apple Pollination & S-Allele Compatibility Matrix
Screen potential apple pollinizers by S-genotype, ploidy, and likely bloom overlap without treating any match as a fruit-set guarantee.
Enter botanical and planning parameters
Biological Mechanism & Horticultural Rules
Apples exhibit gametophytic self-incompatibility controlled by S-alleles. A pair with no shared S-alleles has full S-locus compatibility; one shared allele is a partial match. This genetic screen does not measure pollen quantity, bee activity, frost, rain, temperature, or actual local flowering dates. Triploids often have poor pollen viability and should not be relied upon as donors.
Bloom groups are a general screening aid. Confirm that both cultivars actually flower together at your site and provide suitable insect pollination; spacing alone cannot guarantee fruit set.
Relevant supplies for this task
Optional, intent-matched links only. Confirm the exact model, dimensions, seller, availability, and current terms on the destination page.
Handheld Optical 0–32% Brix Sugar Refractometer
Harvest Timing InstrumentFrequently Asked Questions
Should Jonagold be used as the pollen donor for Honeycrisp?
No. Jonagold is triploid and is considered a poor or unreliable pollen donor. Plant compatible diploid cultivars with overlapping bloom instead.