Study Shows Ethephon Can Delay Cherry Blossom to Mitigate Frost Damage

Just now September 24, 2026 1 min read 📰 Phys.org

📋 Key Takeaway

A study from the University of Göttingen reveals that the plant growth regulator ethephon can delay flowering in Kordia sweet cherries, potentially protecting them from late spring frosts caused by climate change. This research highlights the need for careful crop selection to mitigate frost damage. The findings are relevant for Iran's agricultural sector, which is vulnerable to climate impacts.

Climate change is causing many fruit trees to flower earlier, increasing their exposure to damaging late spring frosts. A study led by the University of Göttingen shows that the plant growth regulator ethephon can delay flowering in Kordia, a sweet cherry variety, potentially protecting blossoms and developing fruitlets from frost. The treatment did not significantly delay flowering in a second sweet cherry variety or two apple varieties, highlighting the importance of crop and cultivar selection. The results are published in BMC Plant Biology.