ABSTRACT Blackberries have a short post-harvest conservation period, making it necessary to optimize harvest and storage conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of refrigerated storage and maturation stage on the physicochemical quality of ‘BRS Cainguá’ blackberries, produced in an organic system. Blackberries from an experimental orchard, were harvested at three ripeness stages (RS), with RS1 being fruits with 100% red skin; RS2 skin 50% red and 50% black; and EM3 100% black skin. The samples were stored in a cold chamber at 4±0.5ºC and 90-95% RH for 12 days. The evaluations were carried out after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days of storage, for: weight loss (WL), soluble solids (SS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), ratio (SS/TA) and color parameters. Blackberries harvested in RS3 had the highest SS content, lowest TA and the highest SS/TA ratio and pH. During storage, TA and WL showed decreasing and increasing linear responses, respectively, regardless of the RS of the fruits. Harvesting based on the skin color of ‘BRS Cainguá’ blackberries influences the physicochemical quality and postharvest conservation. Fruits harvested with 100% black skin, have the best quality and are the most suitable for subsequent refrigerated storage.

ABSTRACT El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an important source of year–to–year fluctuations in the whole global climate system and in the southern Brazilian climate. El Niño events affect this region, imposing unfavorable weather conditions (rainy/humid/overcast) during critical grapevine phenological stages, compromising yields in the current and following crop seasons. The analysis of 29 crop cycles revealed patterns about grape yield oscillations in Santana do Livramento, Campanha Gaúcha, RS, Brazil. Yield deviations showed correlations with the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) 3 months running means centered in November. La Niña events correlate with yield oscillations close to or above the tendency line. El Niño events are linked to various results, including the lowest and the highest yields. The four largest crop failures happened in El Niño events, while the three most severe of them happened in cases of early El Niño consolidation. The seven lowest yields were linked to El Niño, or low or descending yields in the previous year (s), or all these factors combined. Simple criteria allowing early warning of crop failure conditions were defined: ONI (or the monthly Niño - 3.4 Index) ≥ +0.5 °C in July (or earlier); and low or descending yields in the previous year (s).

ABSTRACT Most commercial apple orchards are established on either Marubakaido (Malus prunifolia Borkh.) (high vigor), M-9 (Malus pumila) (low vigor), or a combination of both rootstocks through the intergrafting technique. The Geneva® Series rootstocks were developed as an alternative to orchards modernization. The vigor of rootstocks influences the anatomical xylem formation and, therefore, the canopy cultivar’s hydraulic conductivity. When affected by embolism, hydraulic conductivity harms plant metabolism, reducing crop yield and fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate four Geneva® Series rootstocks with potential use in southern Brazil, in terms of hydraulic conductivity (K) and percentage loss of conductance (PLC), during the winter period in two different years. The G.213 rootstock presented the best performance for the variables analyzed; however, higher values of xylem functionality loss were observed in G.814.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of the Geneva® series apple rootstocks G.202, G.213, G.210 and G.814. The rootstock G.202 and G.213 proved to be the less vigorous, being considered dwarfs. For replanting soil, ‘G.210’ was considered an efficient alternative. The ‘G.213’ was the most efficient, in a general point of view, demonstrating that it does not change its yield efficiency and stability characteristics, even under replanting conditions. All rootstocks reached the goal of 120 accumulated tons.ha-1 in Caxias do Sul-RS, highlighting the faster financial return to the growers. ‘G.213’ has higher soluble solids content, indicating the possibility of an earlier harvesting. It is concluded that the G.210 and G. 213 rootstocks are good options for the areas evaluated, under replanting conditions, mainly G.213 for more dense systems and G.210 for areas under extreme replanting conditions.

Resumo Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho agronômico dos porta enxertos de macieira da série Geneva® G.202, G.213, G.210 e G.814. Os porta-enxertos G.202 e G.213 demonstraram ser os menos vigorosos, sendo considerados ‘anões’. Para áreas de replantio, o ‘G.210’ pode ser considerado uma alternativa eficiente. O porta-enxerto G.213 foi o mais eficiente em termos gerais, demonstrando que, mesmo mediante condições de replantio, não altera suas características de eficiência e de estabilidade produtivas. A meta de 120 ton.ha-1 foi atingida por todos os porta-enxertos em Caxias do Sul-RS, destacando o retorno financeiro mais rápido ao produtor. ‘G.213’ apresenta maiores teores de sólidos solúveis, indicando apossibilidade de antecipação na colheita. Conclui-se que os porta-enxertos G.210 e G.213 sãoopções para solos de replantio, principalmente o G.213 para os sistemas mais adensados e o G.210 para solos em condições de replantio extremas.

ABSTRACT Blueberry farming can be considered an excellent alternative to diversify the family income. In addition, the fruits have several health benefits thanks to the presence of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, however blueberries chemical composition is affected by edaphoclimatic conditions and bud position within the shoot. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of the bud position on the total phenolic content, anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, and other quality parameters of blueberry fruits of three cultivars (Climax, Bluegem, and Powderblue) grown in the mesoregion of Pelotas, Brazil. Fruits of these cultivars were harvested from three shoot position. The fruits were evaluated for their total soluble solids content, pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids/total titratable acidity ratio, fruit color, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and antioxidant potential against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical. The bud position in the shoots influenced the physicochemical parameters of the blueberry fruits of all cultivars. Fruits harvested from apical levels had higher content of soluble solids, pH, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and antioxidant potential, demonstrating that studies aiming at evaluating fruits from different shoot levels are important, as they directly impact the quality of the fruits as well as their biological potentials.

ABSTRACT: Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleyanumm Sabine) is a species native to southern Brazil which exhibits significant potential for economic exploitation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth response of strawberry guava subjected to liming and phosphate fertilizer in pre-planting. The treatments consisted of four lime levels: 0; 33.3; 66.6 and 100 % of the dose needed to increase the pH in water to 6.0, and four phosphorus (P) doses: 0; 83.3; 166.6 and 250 kg ha–1 of P2O5. Plant growth parameters were evaluated for three years. In the years 2018 and 2019, the mineral composition of leaves, photosynthethic pigment indices and mycorrhizal colonization on strawberry guava roots were measured. Liming and phosphate fertilizer altered neither plant growth nor the photosynthetic pigment indices and there was no interaction between the factors studied and the remaining variables evaluated. However, liming promoted increases in the Ca and Mg shoot content, and the phosphate fertilizer increased the levels of shoot P in the third year of growth. Mycorrhizal colonization was stronger when the P soil levels were low, which could explain the absence of response to phosphate fertilization on plant growth for the first three years after planting.

ABSTRACT In the last decades, several biochemical and molecular studies in pear (Pyrus spp.) have revealed processes associated with dormancy establishment and release, leading to the identification of several MADS-box family genes related to bud dormancy regulation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate a preliminary expression pattern of the PpDAM13-1 and PpDAM13-2 MADS-box genes in pear leaf buds (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai, cultivars Hosui and Nijisseiki; and Pyrus communis L., cultivars Rocha and Santa Maria), grown in the subtropical climate of Southern Brazil. Lateral leaf buds were collected from June to September, and RNA was extracted for evaluation of gene expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). It was found that these two genes decreased the expression as leaf buds are release from dormancy. The Hosui cultivar for both genes and the Nijisseiki cultivar for PpDAM13-2 gene showed peaks of expression in early June, indicating that leaf buds are in a transition dormancy phase. The two European cultivars showed this transition dormancy phase between the end-July and the mid-August. It was concluded that the expression analysis of PpDAM13-1 and PpDAM13-2 genes can be used as a marker to evaluate changes of dormancy phase in pear trees in subtropical climate conditions, and it can be suitable to assist management strategies for overcoming pears’ bud dormancy.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição físico-química de sucos de uvas 'Bordô' e 'BRS Cora' cultivadas em sistema de produção orgânico na região da Serra do Sudeste, no sul do Brasil, bem como comparar os resultados das cultivares com dados de outras regiões produtoras e com as exigências das leis brasileiras para suco de uva integral. As uvas utilizadas provieram de um vinhedo comercial, especificamente dos ciclos produtivos de 2016-2017, 2017-2018 e 2018-2019. Os sucos foram elaborados pelo método de arraste de vapor e avaliados quanto à sua composição físico-química. Os frutos mostraram níveis adequados dos parâmetros necessários para a produção de sucos. Em geral, os sucos apresentaram teores de compostos bioativos semelhantes aos encontrados em outras regiões produtoras. Os sucos de 'Bordô' das três safras avaliadas apresentaram diferenças significativas em vários dos parâmetros, as quais foram atribuídas à influência do clima sobre a maturação das uvas. Os sucos de 'BRS Cora' apresentaram resultados qualitativos de alta consistência, mesmo sob as tão distintas condições meteorológicas dos três ciclos produtivos. Os sucos atendem às regulações brasileiras vigentes para o suco de uva integral, exceto quanto aos valores de sólidos solúveis, que são severamente reduzidos pela técnica de extração utilizada.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical composition of juices from the 'Bordô' and 'BRS Cora' grapes grown in an organic production system in the Serra do Sudeste region, in Southern Brazil, as well as to compare the cultivar results with data from other producing regions and with the requirements of the Brazilian regulation for whole grape juice. The used grapes came from a commercial vineyard, especifically from the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 production cycles. The juices were prepared by the steam drag method and evaluated for their physicochemical composition. The fruit showed suitable values for the parameters necessary for grape juice production. In general, the juices showed bioactive compounds contents similar to those obtained in other regions. The 'Bordô' juices evaluated in the three production cycles showed significant differences for several variables, which were attributed to the influence of weather on grape maturity. The juices of 'BRS Cora' showed high-consistency qualitative results even under the very distinct meteorological conditions of the three production cycles. The juices comply with the current Brazilian regulation for whole grape juice, except for soluble solids, which are severely lowered by the used extraction technique.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different rates of ethephon on return bloom and yield, and fruit quality of ‘Fuji’ apple trees. The experiment was performed during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 growing seasons. Eighteen-year-old Fuji Standard apple trees grafted on M.9 were sprayed with different rates of ethephon (300 mg L-1, 400 mg L-1, and 500 mg L-1) 30 days after full bloom (DAFB) and compared to an unsprayed control. Yield components (number of fruit per tree, yield, fruit weight, and estimated yield) and fruit quality attributes (fruit firmness, total soluble solids and starch-iodine index) were evaluated in both seasons. Return bloom (percentage of flowering spurs and 1-year-shoots) was assessed only the year following the application. Our results show that ethephon increases return bloom and yield of ‘Fuji Standard’ apple trees, without affecting fruit quality attributes.

RESUMEN Debido al aumento del consumo y las posibilidades de exportación e industrialización, el cultivo de arándanos se ha expandido en Brasil. Dado que Rabbiteye es uno de los grupos de arándanos más cultivados en Brasil, este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la caracterización productiva del cultivar Bluegem de arándano, grupo Rabbiteye. Las evaluaciones se realizaron con plantas en plena producción durante dos temporadas de cosecha. Se recolectaron datos para las siguientes variables: distribución de yemas florales y vegetativas, flores abiertas y frutos formados en ramas de dos longitudes diferentes, y número de primordios florales. Los resultados mostraron mayor cantidad de yemas vegetativas y la intercalación entre yemas florales y vegetativas en una proporción de 78% y 48% en brotes largos y cortos, respectivamente. El número total de yemas y el número de yemas florales y vegetativas estuvieron influenciados por la temporada de cosecha y la longitud de los brotes. El número de primordios florales estuvo influenciado por la posición de la yema en el brote, pero no por la temporada de cosecha. El número de flores y frutos, en general, fue mayor en yemas apicales y en brotes largos.

ABSTRACT Due to the increase in consumption and the possibilities of exportation and industrialization, blueberry cultivation has been expanding in Brazil. Since Rabbiteye is one of the more cultivated groups of blueberries in Brazil, this study aimed to assess the productive characterization of the blueberry cultivar Bluegem, group Rabbiteye. Assessments were conducted with plants in full production during two harvest seasons. We collected data on the following variables: flower and vegetative bud distribution, open flowers and formed fruit in two different shoot lengths, and number of floral primordia. The results showed a greater number of vegetative buds and the intercalation between flower and vegetative buds in a proportion of 78% and 48% in long and short shoots, respectively. The number of total buds and the number of flower and vegetative buds were influenced by the harvest season and the shoot length. The number of floral primordia was influenced by the bud position on the shoot, but not by the harvest season. The number of flowers and fruits, in general, was greater in apical buds and in long shoots.

RESUMO A pera está entre as frutas de maior interesse comercial no mundo e é a fruta mais importada pelo Brasil. A produção brasileira é muito pequena, e a qualidade da fruta não tem padrão comercial adequado, em função da falta de adaptação das peras de qualidade às condições edafoclimáticas brasileiras. O sucesso da cultura no País, entre outros fatores, pode estar associado à escolha das cultivares comerciais, polinizadoras e porta-enxertos mais bem adaptados às condições edafoclimáticas locais, dependendo, portanto, das indicações de um zoneamento agrícola. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, na região Sul do Brasil, zonas climáticas homogêneas com potencial para plantios comerciais de pereiras europeias e asiáticas, por meio de estudos de riscos climáticos. As regiões foram delimitadas pela disponibilidade estacional de horas de frio (<7,2 oC) acumuladas no período entre maio e setembro, e pelo risco mensal de ocorrência de déficit hídrico. A análise permitiu o reconhecimento de quatro zonas homogêneas para produção comercial de peras na região Sul.

ABSTRACT Pear is among the fruits of major commercial interest in the world and one of the most imported in Brazil. Brazilian production is very small and the fruit quality is low, due to production problems. The success of culture in the country, among other factors, may be linked to the choice of cultivars, pollinating and rootstocks better adapted to local conditions, and thus depend on the particulars of an agricultural zoning. The aim of this study was to identify, in southern Brazil, homogeneous climatic zones with potential for growing of European and Asian pears, through climate risk studies. The regions were defined by the seasonal availability of chilling hours (<7.2 °C) accumulated during the period from May to September and the monthly risk of drought. The analysis allowed the recognition of four homogeneous areas for the production of pears in southern Brazil.

RESUMO: A capacidade de armazenamento e a remobilização de nitrogênio são consideradas processos-chave para o uso eficiente desse macronutriente em plantas frutíferas de clima temperado. Na fase de indução à dormência, ocorre a síntese de proteínas de reserva, coincidindo com a redução nos teores de aminoácidos livres. Entretanto, na fase de superação da dormência, ocorre a degradação dessas proteínas e o aumento nas concentrações de aminoácidos para suprir um novo ciclo de crescimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o conteúdo de água em diferentes tecidos vegetativos (gemas, casca e lenho), o volume de seiva xilemática e suas respectivas concentrações de aminoácidos livres durante o período de dormência de pereiras japonesas cv. 'Hosui'. O material vegetal pertence ao pomar experimental da Embrapa Clima Temperado de Pelotas/RS. A seiva do xilema foi extraída dos ramos com auxílio de bomba de vácuo e os aminoácidos livres foram determinados por cromatografia gasosa, utilizando-se o kit EZ: Faast GC/FID (Phenomenex). O conteúdo de água, bem como o volume e as concentrações de ácido aspártico (Asp) e asparagina (Asn) da seiva do xilema aumentaram substancialmente, atingindo valores máximos na fase que antecede a brotação.

ABSTRACT: Storage and remobilization are considered key processes for the effective use of nitrogen in temperate fruit trees. As dormancy begins, storage proteins are synthesized, coinciding with a reduction in the levels of free amino acids. Consequently, as dormancy breaks, these storage proteins are degraded, and an increase in the concentrations of amino acids occurs, in order to support new growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate water content of different vegetative tissues (buds, bark, and bole wood), volume of xylem sap, and free amino acid concentrations of xylem sap, during winter dormancy of Hosui Japanese pear trees (VL). Plant material was obtained from the Embrapa Temperate Climate experimental orchard at Pelotas, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Xylem sap was extracted from the branches with the aid of a vacuum pump, and the free amino acids were determined by gas chromatography, using the EZ kit: Faast GC/FID (Phenomenex). Water content of buds, as well as the volume of sap and concentrations of both aspartic acid and asparagine, substantially increased over time, reaching maximum values in the phase preceding sprouting.

As pequenas frutas, como o mirtilo (Vaccinium spp.), apresentam propriedades nutricionais e alto potencial antioxidante. Práticas de manejo como a época de poda podem provocar diferentes respostas nas plantas, devido a alterações nas condições climáticas a que as plantas estarão expostas durante seu período reprodutivo. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da poda seca sobre a produção e atributos de qualidade dos frutos de mirtileiro, cultivares Clímax, Bluegem e Powderblue, nas condições da mesorregião de Pelotas, RS. Foram utilizadas plantas adultas de mirtileiro (Vaccinium spp.) de pomar comercial, localizado no município de Morro Redondo, RS. Plantas em diferentes parcelas foram submetidas a podas em duas datas: poda 1 em 10 de julho de 2012 e a poda 2 em 10 de agosto de 2012. Frutos colhidos no estadio de maturação completa foram avaliados quanto a produção, teor de sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez total titulável (ATT), pH, cor (ºHue), teor de compostos fenólicos totais, teor de antocianinas totais e potencial antioxidante. A época da poda seca influenciou de forma significativa a produção e os atributos de qualidade dos frutos de mirtilo. A poda, quando realizada na época 1, ocasionou maior produção, entretanto foi na época de poda 2 que as cultivares apresentaram maior teor de compostos fenólicos. As cultivares Bluegem e Powderblue apresentaram ainda maior potencial antioxidante e maior teor de antocianinas.

Small fruit such as blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) present nutraceutical properties and elevated antioxidant potential. Cultural practices such as pruning time can promote various responses in the plants due to the changed environmental conditions that the plants are exposed during their reproductive period. The objective of this study was to evaluate pruning time on production and fruit quality attributes of cultivars Clímax, Bluegem and Powderblue, cultivated in the mesorregion of Pelotas, RS. Adult blueberry plants (Vaccinium spp.) of a commercial orchard, located in Morro Redondo, RS were utilized. Plants of different parcels were submitted to one pruning at different time: pruning 1, in July 10th 2012 and pruning 2 in August 10th 2012. Fruit harvested at the full ripe stage were evaluated for production, soluble solids content (SSC), total titratable acidity (TTA), pH, color (ºHue), total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content and antioxidant potential. Pruning time significantly influenced production and quality attributes of blueberry fruit. Pruning 1 lead to higher production, however, plants pruned at time 2 showed higher phenolic content and cultivars Bluegem and Powderblue also had higher antioxidant potential and higher anthocyanin content.

O mirtileiro possui frutos com alto potencial antioxidante e nutracêutico. Este potencial pode ser influenciado pela severidade da poda nas plantas, principalmente em função do impacto na produção e dos efeitos do aumento da radiação solar incidente sobre os frutos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da intensidade da poda seca sobre a produção e os atributos de qualidade dos frutos de mirtileiro das cultivares Clímax, Bluegem e Powderblue, produzidas na mesorregiäo de Pelotas-RS. Para tal, foi conduzido um experimento no município de Morro Redondo-RS, durante a safra de 2012/2013, sendo utilizadas as cultivares grupo "Rabbiteye", Clímax, Bluegem e Powderblue. A poda foi realizada em três níveis de remoção de ramos: normal, média e leve, no dia 20 de julho de 2012. A intensidade de poda seca exerceu influência sobre a produção e o teor de fitoquímicos dos frutos de mirtileiros. A produção das plantas submetidas a poda leve foi maior que as submetidas a poda média e normal, sendo o mesmo observado em relação ao teor de compostos fenólicos das cvs. Bluegem e Powderblue, enquanto para o teor de antocianinas, a intensidade de poda teve efeito distinto sobre os atributos de qualidade físico-química das diferentes cultivares.

Blueberry plants possess fruit with high antioxidant and nutraceutical potential. This potential can be influenced by pruning severity, especially due to the impact in production and the effects of increased solar radiation on the fruit. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dry pruning intensity on the production and quality attributes of blueberry fruit from cultivars, Clímax, Bluegem and Powderblue, produced in the mesoregion of Pelotas, RS. For such, an experiment was conducted in Morro Redondo, RS during the growing season 2012/2013, using cultivars of the "Rabbiteye" group, Clímax, Bluegem and Powderblue. Pruning was performed at three intensity, normal, average e light levels on July 20th 2012. Dry pruning intensity influenced production and phytochemical content of blueberry fruit. The production of plants applied the light intensity pruning was higher than the production of plants applied medium and normal intensity, the same was observed in relation to the phenolic content of cv. Bluegem and Powderblue. For anthocyanin content, and other quality attributes pruning intensity had a distinct effect on the quality attributes of the different cultivars.

A temperatura é o principal fator ambiental relacionado à indução, manutenção e superação da dormência da macieira (Malus domestica Borkh.). O inadequado suprimento em frio para esta espécie determina a ocorrência de problemas relacionados à brotação, repercutindo na diminuição do potencial produtivo. Dessa forma, o conhecimento dos princípios fisiológicos e dos fatores ambientais determinantes no fenômeno da dormência, sobretudo o efeito das temperaturas hibernais, faz-se necessário para a eficiente seleção de cultivares em determinada região produtora, assim como para eficiente elaboração e adequação de práticas culturais para minimização de problemas causados pelo insuficiente acúmulo de frio hibernal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes condições térmicas durante o período de dormência na brotação de gemas de cultivares de macieira. Ramos de um ano das cultivares Castel Gala e Royal Gala, enxertadas no porta-enxertos M7, foram submetidas às temperaturas de 5; 10 e 15ºC, durante diferentes períodos de exposição (168; 336; 672; 1.008 e 1.344 horas). Após a efetivação dos tratamentos, as plantas foram mantidas em casa de vegetação a 25ºC. A brotação foi quantificada quando acumulada soma térmica de 3.444; 6.888; 10.332; 13.776; 17.220 e 20.664 GDHºC após os tratamentos térmicos. As cultivares estudadas responderam diferentemente às temperaturas durante o período hibernal. A temperatura de 15ºC apresentou maior efetividade na brotação de gemas da cultivar Castel Gala, enquanto as temperaturas de 5 e 10ºC apresentaram melhor desempenho na cultivar Royal Gala. A cultivar Castel Gala (menor requerimento em frio) pode suprir suas necessidades fisiológicas, sendo capaz de brotar, mesmo quando submetida a temperaturas mais altas em comparação a macieiras Royal Gala.

Temperature is the main climate factor related to induction, maintenance and dormancy release in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.). The inadequate chilling exposure in apples causes budbreak problems, resulting in decrease in yield potential. Thus, the knowledge of physiological principles and environmental factors determining the dormancy phenomenon, especially winter temperature effects, it is necessary for the efficient selection of cultivars in a productive region. In addition, it is indispensable to adapt the orchard management aiming to decrease the problems caused by lack chilling during winter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different thermal conditions during the dormancy period on budbreak of apple cultivars. One-year-old twigs of 'Castel Gala' and 'Royal Gala' cultivars, grafted on M7 rootstock, were submitted to temperatures of 5, 10 and 15ºC for different exposure periods (168; 336; 672; 1,008 and 1,344 hours). After treatments execution, the plants were kept in a greenhouse at 25ºC. Budbreak was quantified when accumulated 3,444; 6,888; 10,332; 13,776; 17,220 and 20,664 GDHºC after temperature treatments. The cultivars responded differently to temperature effect during the winter period. The temperature of 15ºC during winter shows a greater effectiveness on 'Castel Gala' apple budbreak while in the 'Royal Gala' apples the temperatures of 5 and 10ºC show better performance. 'Castel Gala' cultivar (low chilling requirement) may supply its physiological necessities, may be capable to budburst, even when subjected to higher temperatures in relation to 'Royal Gala' apples (high chilling requirement).