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
19 Feb 2025
The recent breakdown of the Maersk Saltoro ship, carrying 1,363 containers (around 5 million crates) of Chilean cherries to China, highlighted the vulnerability of the fruit industry. The delay of its arrival was particularly critical for the distribution of fruit in China.
05 Mar 2025
The size of the global cherry market was estimated at USD 62.50 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030. One of the major reasons for the market growth is the increasing health awareness among consumers.
17 Feb 2026
An INIA study published in Plants explains why bacterial canker of cherry remains persistent in Chile. Researchers analyzed Pseudomonas syringae populations adapted to local conditions and more resistant to copper, supporting more integrated and sustainable management strategies.
17 Feb 2026
A study on ‘0900 Ziraat’ sweet cherries shows that combining 4% calcium chloride with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) reduces weight loss, respiration and decay, preserving organic acids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds during cold storage and extending overall shelf life.
