Re:  Questions on pollination of chestnut trees:
 
--from Insect Pollination of Cultivated Crop Plants by S. E. McGregor, USDA
handbook #496, 1976
 
   Chestnuts were formerly considered to be wind pollinated, but a study in
1972 by J. W. McKay questioned this.
 
>   "He indicated that honey bees, rose chafers, and wild bees are highly
beneficial to chestnut in the transfer of pollen, and they frequently visit
the staminate flowers in large numbers. He also considered that for highest
production on younger trees, a high population of pollinators is especially
needed.  If production of newer cultivars and hybrids expands, the value of
insects in cross-pollination for maximum set should be more fully explored."
 
>   "There are no recommendations on the use of pollinating insects on
chestnut although evidence shows they are needed."
 
Note:  McGregor compiled much of the research data available up to 1976, and
we owe him a great debt.  Now an update of the manual is badly needed. With
the passing of two decades of increasing monoculture, clearcut logging,
pesticide misuse, parasitic mites, and beekeepers quitting, the pollination
picture has greatly changed.
 
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Dave Green