Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) flower in clusters. The apical flower is the primary flower and will develop into the largest fruit. The next two are secondary flowers, and the final four are tertiary flowers. Most of the important commercial varieties have perfect flowers (both male and female organs), although there is variation amongst varieties. Strawberries are an aggregate fruit, meaning that each flower has many pistils (♀) that develop together to create a single fruit mass.
Most varieties are self-fertile and able to self-pollinate. However, for the flower to develop into a perfect fruit, every pistil must be pollinated. This means self-pollination and wind together are generally insufficient to produce the highest value fruit, and a pollinator such as a bumblebee can greatly improve the economics of a crop. In outdoor crops it is thought that self-pollination, on average, accounts for 53% of fruit development, wind provides an additional 14%, and bees add another 24% (equalling 91% pollination). Bees are also more important in short stamen varieties, which are less able to self-pollinate.
Most varieties are self-fertile and able to self-pollinate. However, for the flower to develop into a perfect fruit, every pistil must be pollinated. This means self-pollination and wind together are generally insufficient to produce the highest value fruit, and a pollinator such as a bumblebee can greatly improve the economics of a crop. In outdoor crops it is thought that self-pollination, on average, accounts for 53% of fruit development, wind provides an additional 14%, and bees add another 24% (equalling 91% pollination). Bees are also more important in short stamen varieties, which are less able to self-pollinate.
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