Seasonal changes of moisture and carbohydrate contents in different tree age of peach trees [Prunus persica]
2005
Miyamoto, Y.(Gifu-ken. Research Inst. for Agricultural Sciences in Hilly and Mountainous Areas, Furukawa (Japan)) | Fukui, H. | Wakai, M. | Naruse, M. | Umemaru, M. | Wakahara, K.
Young peach trees are more vulnerable to freezing injury than old trees. We chose 'Showa Hakuto' peach trees to investigate the freezing injury. First, we divided the trees into three groups: 1) 3 to 4 year old trees (most vulnerable to freezing injury) 2) 15 year old trees (least vulnerable to freezing injury) 3) 5 to 6 year old trees. Second, we took samples from roots, branches and trunks of each tree group and analyzed seasonal changes in moisture level and carbohydrate content, both of which are deeply related to the tree's freezing resistance. Investigation Results: There were no significant differences in moisture level at any tree groups. Starch content reached its peak at roots, branches and trunks at any tree groups from September to October, but young trees had less starch at their roots and trunks in comparison to old trees. Sugar content reached its peak in January at any tree groups, but it stayed low in 3 to 4 year old trees throughout a year. Our conclusion is that young trees are more vulnerable to freezing injury largely because they have little starch accumulation in autumn and their sugar content at main trunks remains low during the winter.
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