Sustaining production in marginal climates - Chill and bud burst

This study aimed to quantify chill requirements, and explore relationships between bud burst and bud carbohydrates. Field trials were undertaken in Southern Tasmania. In this study sweet cherry varieties Sweetheart and Kordia were found to have significantly different chill requirements needing moderate and high chill respectively. Obtaining specific varietal knowledge of chill requirement helps in developing appropriate orchard practices and optimum site selection. Little variety specific knowledge is available for cherries. It also highlighted that knowledge of the chill models available is essential.