COLD RESISTANCE OF APPLE TREES THROUGH THE YEAR AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE PHYSIOLOGICAL STAGES

Cold resistance of the xylem, bark and leaves of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) was followed through 15 years and supported by controlled environment studies.

The physiological status of the trees governed the cold resistance response to temperature of the xylem and bark.
Various stages, namely photoresponse, vegetative maturity, winter rest and spring bud break play definite roles in cold resistance of the xylem and bark.
Cold resistance of leaves appeared to be governed more by age than any other factor, especially chilling sensitivity of leaves less than 10 days old.

II Symposium on Winter Hardiness in Woody Perennials

D.O. Ketchie

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1985.168.13