Scientists at the University of British Columbia Okanagan are studying how sweet cherry trees protect their flower buds from winter frost, using a natural mechanism called supercooling.
Dr. Elizabeth Houghton, a graduate of the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, published a study in the journal Plant Biology analyzing this phenomenon. Supercooling allows the liquids within plant cells to remain in a liquid state even at subzero temperatures, preventing ice formation. However, this delicate balance can break if impurities or ice crystals intervene, leading to sudden freezing.
This process is vital for flower buds, which must survive the cold months to ensure the production of fruits in the following season.
The importance of better understanding this mechanism became clear after an exceptional cold wave hit Okanagan in January 2024, with temperatures dropping as low as -27°C (-16.6°F). The damage to fruit trees was devastating, with estimates indicating a loss of 90% of the anticipated summer crop.
Many tree species have strategies to withstand cold, but supercooling in stone fruits, like cherries, remains poorly understood.
Figure 1: Ice accommodation in overwintering sweet cherry flower buds exposed to in-field sub-zero temperatures. Photographs taken under a dissecting microscope on 24 February 2023 of a sweet cherry flower bud that was: (a) held at in-field freezing temperatures after experiencing a natural cold snap along with a digital diagram of the same flower bud to highlight regions of ice accommodation, then (b) thawed to room temperature. Credit: Plant Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/plb.13697
“The ability of sweet cherry trees to withstand winter frost through supercooling is fascinating. In this state, cellular liquids do not freeze despite subzero temperatures,” explains Dr. Houghton. “But we still don’t know exactly how this happens in certain plant structures. We want to dive deeper to understand how flower buds survive such extreme conditions.”
Unlike previous research, which mainly focused on peaches, this study shifts attention to cherries. Their buds contain more primordia — cellular structures that will develop into flowers and later into fruits — compared to peach buds, which contain only one.
Dr. Houghton examined various aspects of the phenomenon: from ice formation inside the buds to the freezing of outer layers, and the changes occurring within the buds as temperatures begin to rise with the arrival of spring.
One of the most critical aspects is the transition from winter to spring. As the buds grow, they gradually lose the ability to stay supercooled, becoming vulnerable to sudden cold snaps.
“Cherry buds have an extraordinary ability to protect themselves from frost in winter, but this defense weakens with spring growth,” the researcher explains. “We want to better understand how these buds endure such harsh winter temperatures. And with the uncertainty surrounding climate change and the possibility of more frequent and intense cold waves, it’s crucial to learn from these plants to develop strategies that safeguard future crops.”
Source: Phys.org
22 May 2024
As the main supplier in the southern hemisphere. today Chile has planted about 73 thousand hectares. The growth is projected to mean that in the coming years about 5,000 hectares could be planted per year, considering a near horizon of 100 thousand hectares planted before 2030.
17 Jun 2024
With more than 500 students and led by Professor Walter Masman, the first lecture explained how new cultivation areas have opened up and how factors such as climate influence this development and even allow other locations to be explored for cultivation.
14 Aug 2025
The Cereza del Jerte PDO ends the 2025 season with 1.3 million kg certified, driven by Picota and the introduction of new varieties like Lapins, Van and Burlat. A climate-friendly season with top-quality fruit and an extended market availability period.
14 Aug 2025
Agrotrade Perú 2025 put cherries and fruit genetics at the heart of the debate. Experts from Chile and Peru explored agroexport opportunities, the role of finance, and binational cooperation, opening new perspectives for the future of Peruvian fruit production.
