The efficacy of linear anionic polyacrylamide solutions in enhancing chill accumulation in peach trees in Southern Australia

This work stems from research conducted originally at Menindee regarding the use of calcium carbonate, and later zinc oxide suspensions in the Riverland, and the impact this had on reducing heat accumulation.
These studies showed significant yield increases could be obtained in low chill years by enhancing chill accumulation by heat reflection.
However, the cost of the product and difficulty in handling suspension products led to further research into the possibility that linear anionic polyacrylamides (causing endothermic reactions on the bud wood when applied and hence bud cooling) could offer a cost-effective means of chill enhancement for stone and pome fruit production in areas where chill hour accumulation may be marginal.
PAM solutions at rates of 3-5 L 1000 L^-1 were applied to different peach cultivars from mid to late May 2016 onwards.
Variance according to variety was observed but, in all cases, positive increases in fruit counts were achieved.
This suggests that the use of cooling polymers with early applications for enhancement of chill accumulation is worth considering in areas where chill accumulation can be inadequate.

X International Peach Symposium

S. Phillips

polyacrylamides, climate change, bud cooling, chill accumulation

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2022.1352.60