The new cherry cold hardiness model on AgWeatherNet as beta version

25 Feb 2025
620

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


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Engineering of cherry rootstocks to increase virus resistance

Rootstocks

05 Feb 2024

Regarding rootstocks, one of the most promising approaches to increase plant resistance to viruses is post-transcriptional gene silencing, which employs RNA interference (RNAi) to prevent pathogenicity and virus replication.

The effects of calcium and silicon during cherry post-harvest storage

Post-harvest​

20 Nov 2024

Nowadays, there are various technologies and practices used to preserve quality by improving pulp consistency. It has been seen that pre-harvest or at harvest treatments with calcium and silicon extend the shelf life of cherries.

In evidenza

Biocontrol of brown rot on cherry and plum: e5icacy, limitations and prospects

Crop protection

25 Jul 2025

A recent study tested the effectiveness of biopesticides and native microbial strains against brown rot caused by Monilinia laxa on cherry and plum. Promising results in pre-harvest phase, but limitations emerged during post-harvest at room temperature.

Oregon’s sweet cherry season turns bitter: “A manmade disaster”

Markets

25 Jul 2025

2025 is a disastrous year for Oregon’s sweet cherries: top-quality harvests remain unsold, labor shortages tied to immigration fears, and a market paying less than production costs. Small family farms face an uncertain future amid ongoing economic strain.

Tag Popolari