Bud fertility analysis is a fundamental tool for determining the potential flowering state of the orchard and, thus, in objective quantitative terms, being able to define the load state of the orchard, in order to establish different work strategies in the field, such as pruning or possible applications of dormancy breakers.
"These analyses are carried out in the months of May, June and July and must be done according to what the laboratory obviously needs, in each cherry reproductive center and a certain number of fruit centers," said Emilio Martínez, R&D Leader at Avium.
How is sampling carried out?
First of all, it is necessary to identify the reproductive centres of the cherry tree; from there, it is essential to follow the instructions for taking samples, for a correct analysis and objective result.
«In this case we have an annual twig (Image 1), where we mainly find the flower buds at the base of the twig and it will depend on the variety-rootstock combination if we can find more flower buds towards the middle or towards the apex of the twig. On the other hand, we have the spur, which is generally composed of a vegetative bud and accompanied by a certain number of flower buds», added Emilio Martinez.
To take a correct sample, it is necessary to understand the homogeneity of the orchard. Therefore, each orchard manager, or the person who takes the sample, must take the sample knowing which is the most homogeneous and representative part of the field.
«This work must always be carried out taking the precaution of taking this sample from the entire perimeter of the cherry tree and taking the precaution, mainly in the twigs, of being able to cut the twig from the base of the latter, so that the flower buds cannot be lost. And in the case of the darts (Image 2) sample around the perimeter of the tree in a zigzag shape or as appropriate. After taking the samples they must be taken to the laboratory, where all the analyses are carried out.» Martinez explained.
Bud Fertility Analysis allows us to know the average number of flower buds per fruit center and the number of healthy primordia per bud found in that fruit center.
«For example, if we have an average of five flower buds, in this case per sapling, and we have five healthy flower primordia per bud, we have a potential of 25 flowers per sapling. Therefore, that will be our average in order to understand and calculate according to all the other indicators, which are, for example, the planting density of the orchard, the estimated weight of the fruit, the percentage of fruit set, to be able to estimate the flowering potential per hectare of the orchard. From our perspective, it is important to know the past in order to understand the present and thus project the future of the different productions that an orchard can have,» concluded Avium R&D Leader Emilio Martínez.
