Cold Hardiness of Peaches and Nectarines Following a Test Winter

Abstract

Six distinct populations of peach and one of nectarine were assessed for cold injury to flower buds and shoot xylem following a test winter in which a minimum temperature of -26.0°C was recorded on January 17, 1982. The average bud mortality was high and the means ranged from 64.9 to 82.2%. Average injury to shoot xylem was moderate to high with injury ratings varying from a low of 3.04 to a high of 3.60. The correlation of bud hardiness with wood hardiness was inconsistent and usually low indicating the need to assess both types of hardiness separately. Individuals with hardy wood which also possessed hardy buds were identified. They were considered to be the most promising hardiness sources to use as parents in breeding.