Cryopreservation of Winter-dormant Apple Buds IV: Critical Temperature Variation that Can Compromise Survival

• Published in: Cryo-Letters Vol. 39; no. 4; p. 245
• Main Authors: Vogiatzi, C, Grout, B Ww, Wetten, A, Ordidge, M, Clausen, S K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.07.2018
• Subjects: Cold Temperature; Cryopreservation; Malus - physiology; Plant Dormancy; Plant Shoots - physiology; Seasons
• ISSN: 0143-2044

Precise temperature control in several key areas during cryopreservation of dormant, winter apple buds is critical for maximal survival. To consider the effects of pre-harvest temperature, the duration of incubation at -30°C and variation in rewarming rate on survival. Dormant winter buds of Malus x domestica cultivars were harvested with two different acclimation histories and cryopreserved with variation in incubation time at -30°C. Recovery from LN using slow, intermediate and rapid rewarming was investigated as well as preservation after prolonged storage at -4°C. The effects on survival of preharvest temperature regime and an altered -30°C incubation regime are cultivar dependent and an increase in rewarming rate has a strong negative effect on recovery. Post-thaw survival of the winter-dormant buds can be compromised by increased temperature over a period as short as 5 days prior to bud harvest. Varying incubation times at -30°C produce variable, cultivar dependent, survival and moderate increases in rewarming rates can also radically reduce survival.