Solar-powered sensor mounted near bare trees in an orchard under a clear blue sky.

Physiological and biometeorological approaches to improving winter dormancy identification in cherry orchards

Funded by the Cherry Board of California

Description: During winter dormancy, trees undergo physiological changes and 'chill accumulation' is essential for proper budbreak and production in the spring. Many growers rely on chill accumulation to know when to apply dormancy breaking agents. Until now, chill accumulation has been characterized using models that have as only input air temperature. 

We want to integrate information on tree carbohydrate and water status, and other environmental parameters such as incoming radiation and relative humidity, to improve our capability to identify cherry dormancy levels and increase the efficacy of dormancy breaking agent application.

 

Cherry Tree Chill Calculator

 

Publications:

2025_Guzman-Delgado_TreeChill

 

 

Slideshow Photo Gallery

Blossoming white flowers on branches against a clear blue sky.
Solar-powered monitoring device near bare trees in a sunny orchard.
A flowering tree with delicate white blossoms against a clear blue sky.
Blooming cherry tree branches covered with white flowers against a clear blue sky.
Lush green leaves with small fruit growing on branches in sunlight.