Effects of Evaporative Cooling on Temperature and Development of Apple Buds1

Abstract

Abstract Mature ‘Red Delicious’ apple trees ( Malus pumila Mill) were sprinkled intermittently with an overhead irrigation system after completion of winter rest. A 2-minute sprinkling cycle operated automatically whenever the ambient air temperature of the orchard exceeded 7°C until the control trees reached full bloom. Evaporative cooling of the treated trees reduced bud temperatures to within 2°C of the wet bulb temperature. Treated trees reached full bloom 17 days after the untreated controls.