Predicting Leaf Emergence of ‘Montmorency’ Sour Cherry from Degree-day Accumulations1

Abstract

A model which predicts terminal and spur leaf emergence of sour cherry ( Prunus cerasus L. cv. Montmorency) grown near East Lansing, Michigan was developed from biological and temperature observations made in orchards near Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Leaf number of spur and terminal shoots was more highly correlated with degree-day accumulation at a base of 4°C starting April 19, than with time. Leaf number on individual shoots was linear with respect to degree-day accumulation; however, not all growth on an individual tree was synchronous, and the plot of average leaf number vs. time was slightly curvilinear. Terminal buds set about 350 and 850 degree-days after first leaf emergence for spur and terminal shoots, respectively, regardless of location. Leaf size increased linearly with degree-day accumulation until full leaf expansion. At maturity terminal leaves were about 50% larger in area than spur leaves. Foliage growth was greatest during stage I and early stage II of fruit growth, and may compete with the fruit for assimilates needed for growth.