The progressive increase in winter temperatures represents a major challenge for fruit production, directly affecting dormancy processes and the phenology of tree species. In this context, a recent study analyzed the response of 22 sweet cherry cultivars under Mediterranean-continental climatic conditions (Zaragoza, Spain), integrating experimental data and climate modeling to assess their future adaptability.
Chilling and heat accumulation were quantified using the Dynamic, Chilling Hours, and Utah models for chilling, and the Growing Degree Hours model for heat.
The results highlight how winter warming is altering dormancy dynamics, with important implications for orchard productivity and sustainability. The analysis, conducted over two contrasting seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024), allowed for precise determination of the agroclimatic requirements of the cultivars in terms of chilling and forcing.
Chilling requirements, expressed in Chilling Portions (CP), showed wide variability, ranging from 37.6 to 66.6 CP, while heat requirements for flowering (7095–9992 Growing Degree Hours) confirm the complexity of the interaction between dormancy and vegetative resumption.
Low-chill cultivars, such as ‘Symphony’, appear better suited to mild winter conditions, whereas high-chill cultivars, such as ‘Sentennial’, are already approaching their adaptive limits under current conditions. This highlights the complex interaction between dormancy and growth, which varies depending on climatic conditions and genetic traits.
From a climatic perspective, the analysis of long-term data (1974–2024) revealed a significant reduction in winter chill accumulation, estimated at approximately 6–8 CP since the 1980s, corresponding to a decline of 6–10%. The 2023–2024 season represented an extreme case, with the lowest chill accumulation recorded in the past 50 years and a general delay in flowering up to 11 days. This finding highlights how, in mild winter environments, insufficient chilling can lead to delayed phenology rather than advancement, contrary to what is often observed in colder climates.
Source: Santolaria et al 2026
Future climate simulations indicate a continued decline in winter chill, based on 18 global models and emission scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. By 2050, most cultivars may still meet their chilling requirements, although some high-chill varieties already show potential adaptation risks. By 2085, particularly under the high-emission scenario, all cultivars are projected to face a risk of insufficient chill accumulation in at least one model.
This suggests a potential loss of production suitability for many areas traditionally devoted to sweet cherry cultivation. Another key aspect is the variable cultivar response to reduced chilling, as some exhibit non-linear flowering behavior, suggesting compensatory effects or alternative physiological mechanisms.
These findings support the hypothesis of a dynamic interaction between chilling and forcing and highlight the need for further research into dormancy regulation. Cultivar selection emerges as a primary strategic tool, favoring low-chill cultivars, alongside adaptive agronomic practices such as site selection, pollination optimization, and targeted orchard management. In the long term, breeding programs aimed at reducing chilling requirements represent the most promising solution.
The study demonstrates that integrating dormancy physiology with climate modeling provides an effective approach for assessing future sustainability of cultivars, offering a valuable decision-support tool for growers and technicians in a changing climate.
Source: Santolaria, N., Castel, L., Rodrigo, J., & Fadón, E. (2026). Warming winters and cultivar resilience in sweet cherry: agroclimatic requirements and future suitability under Mediterranean-continental conditions. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 383, 111138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2026.111138
Opening image source: Stefano Lugli
Andrea Giovannini
PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science and Technology - Arboriculture and Fruitculture, University of Bologna, IT
22 Sep 2025
China opens its doors to Jerte cherries after ten years of negotiations. First shipments will go by air to avoid maritime delays. A new market for Extremadura’s fruit exports, facing strict protocols but also unlocking significant opportunities in the global cherry trade.
31 Oct 2023
Poland is one of the leading fruit producers, with a per capita production of 146 kg of fruit. Among the cultivated species, the production of sour cherries stands out, reaching 183 thousand tonnes in 2022, making it one of the largest producers in the world.
30 Oct 2026
Managing processing times means ensuring that fruit moves from harvesting to cooling with as few interruptions as possible. The aim is to reduce waiting, balance capacity across the different stages, prevent accumulation and identify bottlenecks before they compromise fruit condi
30 Oct 2026
Although lower production may put upward pressure on prices, the extent of any increases will depend on demand, existing supplies and supplier-specific market conditions.
