A Characterization of the “After-Rest” Period of Flower Buds of Two Peach Cultivars of Different Chilling Requirements1

Abstract

Abstract The “after-rest” and “post-rest” quiescent periods of flower buds of 2 peach cultivars of different chilling requirements were characterized by a period of reduced inhibition during which the degree of inhibition decreased each succeeding week. Buds within this reduced period of inhibition appeared to be quiescent since they broke and grew during 2 weeks in a greenhouse. However, during this period the buds responded to GA 3 and chilling temp. The “post-rest” quiescent period was not reached until mid-February, at which time the buds no longer responded to GA 3 or additional chilling and bud break occurred within 72 to 84 hours after exposure to the greenhouse environment. The degree of inhibition of buds of the 2 cultivars varied throughout this study. ‘Redhaven’ buds were more inhibited than buds of ‘Redskin’ throughout the period studied.