January's severe cold spell has adversely affected cherry growers in the Flathead region, with temperatures at Glacier Park Airport in Kalispell dropping to as low as minus 32 on January 12. Brian Campbell, a Finley Point orchard owner and Monson Fruit Company field representative, highlighted the vulnerability of cherry flowers to such extreme conditions. Despite cherry flowers' ability to withstand hard freezes, the sudden deep freeze in January occurred before the flowers had sufficiently entered dormancy, rendering them susceptible to damage. Campbell explained that optimal conditions for bud hardening were not met due to warmer temperatures in the preceding months.
The cold spell was even harsher north of Finley Point, with temperatures plummeting to minus 35 in Kalispell and minus 30 near Bigfork. The impact varied across orchards, with some experiencing complete bud mortality. This phenomenon leads to significant gaps in cherry tree canopies, affecting overall productivity.
The incident also resonated with Canadian growers, who faced similar challenges. The reliance on Canadian cherry varieties, developed for late ripening, underscores the interconnectedness of the industry across North American regions. The recovery from such weather-induced setbacks is prolonged, taking up to seven years for new trees to reach fruit-bearing maturity.
Source: leaderadvertiser.com