Effect of Stage of Bud Development on Cold Injury in Rabbiteye Blueberry1

Abstract

Abstract Floral and vegetative buds of ‘Tifblue’ and ‘Woodard’ rabbiteye blueberries ( Vaccinium ashei Reade) in various stages of development were exposed to cold under controlled conditions. The temperature required to damage a floral bud was inversely related to the stage of the bud; closed floral buds survived −15°C, but open buds were killed by −1°. Floral buds exposed to but undamaged by cold developed as rapidly as buds with no exposure to cold. Cold hardiness of vegetative buds was similar to that of floral buds.