Frost

Frost can be extremely damaging if it occurs during flowering, but it can also damage the developing buds if there is a significant frost in winter, as well as causing fruit loss and damage to foliage. There are frost protection methods available but even the most comprehensive frost protection will be no guarantee for complete protection of the crop. Effective frost protection will provide a buffer that can mitigate the severity of cold events and in some cases completely protect the trees.

Establishing frost protection for an orchard can be complicated. Key to decision-making is having an understanding of heat transfer principles, how hot and cold air behaves and the different types of frost (advection and radiation).

For more information on frost, download the frost protection chapter from the grower manual below.