Abstract
To develop a flowering forecasting model in ‘Kawazu-zakura’ (Prunus lannesiana Wils.) cherry tree, short stems in the ecodormancy stage were exposed to six contact temperatures (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C) under dark conditions. The developmental rate (DVR) and temperature showed a high correlation. DVR and temperature (T) were used to develop a model, DVR = 0.045T (0 < T ≦ 25) DVR = 0 (T ≦ 0). It was confirmed that the model was suitable under outdoor conditions in Minamiizu region. Cut branches were cultivated in a greenhouse that controlled the daily minimum temperature at 5, 10, 15, and 20°C under natural day length. Higher temperature hastened the blooming date but decreased the flowering rate, flower size and quality. The optimal temperature for obtaining the cut flowers of ‘Kawazu-zakura’ was thought to be a daily minimum temperature of 10°C.
