The effect of different temperatures on the viability of ovules in cherries

Abstract

The effect of different temperatures on the senescence of ovules was investigated in 2 sweet and 3 sour cherry cultivars using a fluorescent-microscopic method. Detached twigs were kept in growth chambers at constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15 or 20°C. Increasing temperature substantially shortened the viability of the ovules. At 5°C, most ovules were senescent 5 days after anthesis, and at 20°C this period was shortened to 1–2 days.