Peach Buds Tested for Freeze, Heat Stress Tolerance
Peach trees are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, particularly during critical growth stages. This study examined the differential impacts of freezing events and brief high-temperature exposures on the cold hardiness of flower buds and shoots, which are essential for fruit production and tree health.
The findings reveal that flower buds and shoot tissues respond differently to these temperature stresses, with certain thresholds and recovery mechanisms varying between the two. Freezing temperatures were found to significantly impair cold tolerance in some cases, while high-temperature exposure influenced the ability of tissues to withstand subsequent cold stress.
These insights are critical for growers facing increasing climate variability, as they highlight the importance of monitoring and managing temperature conditions to protect peach crops. The research could inform the development of cultivation strategies and breeding programs aimed at improving the resilience of peach varieties to temperature extremes.
According to the author, ” Low temperature tolerance of peach flower buds and shoot tissues is differentially influenced by freezing and high temperature exposure.”
“This research was part of a larger Project where we hoped to measure the full spectrum of winter hardiness, beginning at the onset of hardiness in fall and continuing through springtime when buds begin to bloom. Our concern was that unseasonably warm weather at any time would cause buds to lose hardiness and become vulnerable to winter injury.”
Dr. Moran is a professor of pomology and extension fruit specialist at the University of Maine. Her research focuses on Environmental and genotypic variation in peach and apple tree cold hardiness, and predicting and preventing storage disorders in apples.
Peyton Ginakes is a fruit and vegetable research associate based at UMaine’s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth. She conducts applied research to address knowledge gaps in specialty crop production for Maine farmers.
The full story can be found on the ASHS HortScience electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17651-23
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community – scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
https://ashs.org/news/news.asp?id=697616