The dormancy period in cherry production is crucial, marking the beginning of the necessary cold accumulation for proper plant development. However, with rising temperatures, new challenges and concerns arise for producers.
One of the critical moments is the swollen bud stage, where plants become particularly sensitive to damage caused by frost. This sensitivity persists until the exposed cluster stage, gradually decreasing as the season progresses.
It is essential to remain vigilant during these stages and have appropriate frost control measures in our orchards. Both water and wind control systems are valuable tools at this stage.
Additionally, the use of tents can provide some additional protection, retaining some temperature and mitigating the effects of less intense frosts. It is important to note that while tents are not a frost control method in themselves, they can be useful for protecting certain varieties and production areas from damage caused by moderate frosts.
In summary, the swollen bud stage represents a critical moment in cherry production, where sensitivity to frosts increases significantly. Maintaining constant vigilance and using appropriate frost control measures are key to protecting our crops and ensuring a successful season.
In the upcoming days, we will share some strategies to keep frost control in check.
More agronomic management articles here
Material based on an interview with Carlos Tapia, Specialist Advisor in cherry production and Technical Director of Avium on Smartcherry TV.
