The cause of dead flower buds frequently observed in the Japanese pear cultivar 'Kosui' (Pyrus pyrifolia) grown under open field conditions in the southwestern regions of Japan was elucidated. During fall-winter months with relatively warm temperature, the freezing tolerance of flower buds showed insufficient freezing tolerance resulting in frost damage due to the coldness of winter. Application of fertilizer and compost in autumn and winter reduced the freezing tolerance and increased the number of dead flower buds. By changing the time of applying fertilizer and compost in the spring, it was revealed that the death rate of flower bud can be drastically reduced. Read more.
