ISHS Acta Horticulturae 239: VI International Symposium on Growth Regulators in Fruit Production
FREEZING INJURY IN DECIDUOUS FRUIT CROPS: OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHEMICAL MANIPULATION |
| Author: | E.N. Ashworth |
| Abstract:
Low temperature injury is a major limiting factor in deciduous fruit production. Economic losses can occur due to low winter temperatures during dormancy, or due to untimely low temperatures prior to acclimation in the fall or after deacclimation in the spring. For this reason, the possibility of increasing plant cold hardiness by the application of chemicals has long been appealing. Treatments have been applied to either: (i) lower the temperature at which ice forms in plants; (ii) increase tissue tolerance to the presence of ice; or (iii) control dormancy and acclimation. Unfortunately, results to date have been inconsistent and often inconclusive. Further research is required and is clearly justified considering the important benefits to be achieved. | |
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