Predicting sweet cherry hardiness is vital for frost management, as their early spring development makes them vulnerable. Current methods using phenology charts are often inaccurate, especially in early bud stages where internal changes occur without visible external signs.
Image 1. Cross-section of a cherry blossom bud
A new cold hardiness model on AgWeatherNet aims to improve accuracy by incorporating local weather and data from multiple cultivars and regions. Sweet cherry floral development is a year-long process, pausing in dormancy and resuming in late winter.
Image 2. Dormant phases with acclimatisation in autumn and de-acclimatisation in spring. The lethal temperature at which 50% of the buds will die (LT50) decreases as the buds become more resistant to cold (yellow). Vernalisation is the point at which all cold units have been accumulated. Graph adapted from Greg Lang, MSU.
Current LT estimations rely on charts that can be unreliable, prompting the development of the new model.
The model provides average lethal temperatures (LT) band damage ranges, but field assessment is crucial to account for orchard variations. Growers are encouraged to provide feedback on the beta model, which will be further validated.
Image 3. The lethal temperatures of cherry buds are currently estimated using graphs predicting LT with bud phenology
Cold acclimation involves supercooling, where ice forms around the floral primordia, protecting the liquid inside. Dormancy phases influence cold hardiness, with deacclimation in spring being critical.
Image 4. Screenshot from the AWN website
Read ful article: WSU Tree Fruit
02 Oct 2024
Calcium is not very mobile throughout the plant. The lack of transport capacity makes it difficult to reach the growing fruits. Another issue is that Calcium follows the water flow through the xylem, which means that its absorption is closely tied to transpiration capacity.
27 Mar 2024
The Chilean company Giddings-Cerasus closed the 2023-24 season once again with the Cerasina varieties 'Final 12.1' and '13.1'. The last batch of Giddings Cerasus cherries sent to the Asian market arrived on 18 March, with over 90 tonnes of product.
05 Jun 2026
A Holovousy study in the Czech Republic examines 35 sweet cherry accessions and highlights the role of genetics, dry matter and ascorbic acid in resistance to surface pitting, a key issue for postharvest quality, shelf life and market value.
05 Jun 2026
In sweet cherry, productivity starts in the previous cycle: floral induction, bud differentiation, reserves, irrigation and canopy management influence flowering, fruit set and quality in the following season, making post-harvest care decisive for stable yields and premium fruit.
