Plant survival of barbados cherry genotypes after frost injury in northern Parana State

Abstract

Barbados cherry is a tropical fruit that when cultivated in subtropical areas is exposed to frosts which cause considerable damages to the leaves and can kill plants. The frosts of July 2000 in Northern Paraná State made possible the evaluation of 19 Barbados cherry genotypes propagated through cuttings. A minimum air temperature of -1,3°C was recorded on 17 July at the meteorological station; the minimum ground temperature was around -5,4°C. All plants were severely injured in 100% of leaves. The evaluation was made the following year to the frost, through sprouts status. It was observed that Barbados cherry genotypes present differences in cold hardiness. Some genotypes were killed and others survived, with good vegetation on the next year. The following genotypes presented the best recovery: 'Cícero', 'Roseli', 'Carolina' and 'Lígia.' The findings are discussed in relation to temperature limits reported in the literature.