Potential Impacts of Shade Treatments on Dormancy of Overwintering Redbud (<i>Cercis canadensis</i> L.) Trees at Southeastern Nurseries

Abstract Dormancy accrual is an important process in mitigating the abiotic stressors of overwintering trees at ornamental nurseries, with frost-injured tree crops heightened risk ensuing biotic insect and disease attack. As mean global temperatures rise, nursery may lose dormancy earlier. Using potted eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis L.) placed under two types shade cloth, full sun, or walk-in coolers, we measured stem, air root zone temperatures, chill hours time to bud break sites. While there was no significant difference between treatments, cloths did moderate both high low which were exposed. Differences first observed from shaded versus those sun each site. It be useful alter our shading design continue protection overnight lows while preventing excess warming daytime highs, thus promoting frost exposure some regions, but further tests will required. Species used this study: L.).