The effect of chilling and post-chilling temperatures on growth and flowering of sweet cherry (<i>Prunus avium</i>L.)

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of chilling duration (0-1440 h) and post-chilling temperatures (9°C, 19°C and 25°C) on flowering and vegetative growth were examined in Prunus avium L. cv. Stella. Increased chilling caused an increase in the number of branches, leaf fresh and dry weights and reduced the time to bud break. Flower size and pedicel length also increased with increasing chilling duration. However, vegetative growth and flower size and pedicel length tended to decrease with an increase in post-chilling temperature. The proportion of fruit set was greater after longer chilling durations whilst higher post-chilling temperature reduced the proportion of fruit set.