Determination of Cold Resistance of Buds and Flowers on Kütahya Sour Cherry Cultivar

This study was carried out in 2018 in order to determine the resistance of flower buds and flowers to low temperatures in winter and spring periods in Kütahya sour cherry cultivar, in Konya’s conditions. In order to determine the temperature of the flower buds and flowers, the samples taken at different periods were gradually placed in the temperature-lowered cabinet and tested. The buds were tested, held at temperatures between 0 and -22oC. After the application, 70% or above of damaged buds were considered dead. In addition, total, bound and free water, dry matter, total carbohydrate, protein, proline and nutrient levels were determined. Differences between the mortality rates of buds and flowers at different temperatures were statistically significant. In the winter season, buds with high frost resistance started to lose this resistance towards the spring season. Temperatures of more than 50% of buds are observed at -16°C on 29.01; 20.02 and 06.03 at -15°C; 20.03 at -11°C; it was determined as -10°C on 05.04 and 20.04. According to this, in the city center of Konya cherry flower buds are damaged by frost until the end of March and the probability of damage after this period is reduced. With the emergence of winter season, the water content of the buds has increased significantly. A rapid decrease in the amount of bound water was found in the buds with the emergence of winter and a rapid increase in the amount of free water. On the other hand, the dry matter contents remained stable between 29.01 and 05.03, and a rapid increase occurred on 19.03. The differences between the nutrient amounts were found to be statistically significant. According to this, the content of N in buds has decreased continuously between 29.01 and 20.04. The amounts of P, K, Mn, Zn and S increased from 29.01 to 20.03 and started to decrease after this date. Mg and Fe amounts increased regularly until 20.03 and remained stable after this date. Ca and Cu levels increased until 06.03, then began to fall. The B content increased continuously. The amount of Zn increased regularly until 05.04 and then decreased. S content fluctuated on different dates. Significant differences were determined in terms of carbohydrate content in buds. According to this, the carbohydrate content decreased regularly from 29.01 until 05.04 and started to rise again in 19.04. Bud’s protein contents showed a steady decrease in successive sampling periods. The differences between the contents of the proline were not statistically significant.