Tashi Angmo, M.U. Rehman1, G.I. Hassan, Sajad Ah. Bhat, Sajad M. Zargar, F.A. Khan and Safina Kosser
Abstract
Sweet cherry cultivated in temperate climatic conditions, undergoes a period of dormancy to survive the low temperature of winter season and also for successful flowering. This study investigated the variations in bud length, diameter and total sugar of two commercially significant sweet cherry cultivars, Burlat and Regina, throughout three distinct phases of dormancy: paradormancy, endodormancy and ecodormancy. Buds from both cultivars were sampled at 15 days intervals starting during 1st August till 15th of March. Results revealed increase in bud length and diameter during paradormancy period. During endodormancy, both cultivars exhibited minimal changes in bud length and diameter, indicating metabolic dormancy. Subsequent to the release of endodormancy, bud length and diameter showed a gradual increase during ecodormancy, suggesting preparation for growth resumption.Total sugars showed reverse trend i.e., its concentration was recorded highest during endodormancy phase.