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Evaluation of the drought stress tolerance of selected sweet cherry varieties and rootstocks to optimise water-conserving commercial fruit cultivation
Project
Project code: JKI-ZO-23-4270, 1180 0415 6940
Contract period: 01.12.2025
- 30.11.2026
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: drought stress resistance, climate change, genetic resources, fruits
Climate change poses significant challenges to fruit production, mainly due to increased heat events and water shortages during the growing season. Sweet cherries are particularly sensitive to drought stress compared to other fruits such as apples. Water deficiency during fruit development leads to yield losses of 30-40% and reduces fruit size and quality. In the long term, drought stress weakens trees and increases their disease susceptibility. The Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) is researching the drought stress tolerance of sweet cherry cultivars. A central approach is the use of innovative sensor technology for precise, tree-specific measurement of transpiration. The Fylloclip sensor was successfully tested in a drought stress trial in 2024. As part of the study, 13 sweet cherry cultivars and 6 rootstocks are being tested at JKI-ZO for their drought stress tolerance. In two successive pot trials, they will be tested under two irrigation regimes - optimal and reduced. In addition to measuring transpiration, the study will analyse wilting symptoms, chlorophyll content, leaf temperature, and proline content. The results will allow recommendations to be made for drought-tolerant sweet cherry varieties and rootstocks. The Fylloclip also allows continuous monitoring of water availability in the field. Its practicality could support targeted, resource-saving irrigation in commercial orchards and thus contribute to sustainable sweet cherry production under climate change conditions.
Section overview
Subjects
- Arboriculture
- Genetic Resources
- Process engineering
- Climate Change