Chapter 2 Temperate fruits
by Eduardo Fernandez and Eike Luedeling
2.1 Materials
To prepare for class, please watch the following four videos:
As supplementary material, we also offer two videos on sweet cherry bloom and apple varieties recorded by our HortiWood team:
You need the module password from eCampus to access these files.
2.1.1 Questions
- In a few lines, describe the main difference between the fruit growing process for pome and stone fruits. Link the process occurring inside the fruit and the changes that farmers could see
- What are the types of sunburn usually observed in apple orchards? How could farmers avoid this problem?
2.2 Instructions
We’ll be going for a walk with you. Depending on weather conditions, the ground may be wet or muddy, and it may be raining/snowing/windy etc. Make sure to dress appropriately!
2.3 Literature for discussion
2.4 Term paper topics
1. Hangover in deciduous fruit trees – The effects of challenging winter seasons on mid-term phenology
Spring phenology events in temperate species are mainly determined by the environmental conditions experienced by the trees during winter. In this term paper, you will search for evidence on the potential effects of warm winters on the phenology of trees after two seasons. In short, this term paper aims to reveal if trees can “remember” winter conditions after two seasons.
2. Carbohydrates as key metabolites during dormancy progression? A mini-review
Many factors modulate the moment of budbreak and flowering in temperate species. Among them, carbohydrates have been proposed as key molecules that may help researchers track the development of plants during dormancy. Nonetheless, carbohydrates have been also associated with related processes such as cold acclimation, for example. In this term paper, your aim is to collect evidence on the importance of carbohydrates for dormancy release.