Amnon Erez

Bio: Amnon Erez is an academic researcher from Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center. The author has contributed to research in topics: Dormancy & Orchard. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 32 publications receiving 2179 citations.

A Reflective, Processed-Kaolin Particle Film Affects Fruit Temperature, Radiation Reflection, and Solar Injury in Apple

Abstract: Particle film technology is a new tool for tree fruit production systems. Trials were performed in Santiago, Chile, and Washington and West Virginia to evaluate the effect of particle film treatments on apple (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill var domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.) fruit temperature and the incidence of solar injury. Fruit surface temperature was reduced by the application of reflective particles and the amount of temperature reduction was proportional to the amount of particle residue on the fruit surface. Effective solar injury suppression was achieved with spray applications of 45 to 56 kg·ha -1 of a reflective, processed-kaolin particle film material in concentrations ranging from 3% to 12% in some of the locations. The timing of application to suppress solar injury was not clearly defined. The processed-kaolin particle film material was highly reflective to the ultraviolet wavelengths and this characteristic may be important in reducing solar injury to both fruit and leaves.

Bud Dormancy; Phenomenon, Problems and Solutions in the Tropics and Subtropics

Abstract: Marked increases in production of temperate fruit crops have occurred in many subtropical and tropical countries (Table 1). One of the major limitations of production in warm countries is overcoming the dormancy period typical of all temperate zone fruit trees.

Acclimation and adaptive responses of woody plants to environmental stresses

Abstract: The predominant emphasis on harmful effects of environmental stresses on growth of woody plants has obscured some very beneficial effects of such stresses. Slowly increasing stresses may induce physiological adjustment that protects plants from the growth inhibition and/or injury that follow when environmental stresses are abruptly imposed. In addition, short exposures of woody plants to extreme environmental conditions at critical times in their development often improve growth. Furthermore, maintaining harvested seedlings and plant products at very low temperatures extends their longevity. Drought tolerance: Seedlings previously exposed to water stress often undergo less inhibition of growth and other processes following transplanting than do seedlings not previously exposed to such stress. Controlled wetting and drying cycles often promote early budset, dormancy, and drought tolerance. In many species increased drought tolerance following such cycles is associated with osmotic adjustment that ...

Tree and forest functioning in response to global warming

Abstract: Although trees have responded to global warming in the past - to temperatures higher than they are now - the rate of change predicted in the 21st century is likely to be unprecedented. Greenhouse gas emissions could cause a 3-6°C increase in mean land surface temperature at high and temperate latitudes. Despite this, few experiments have isolated the effects of temperature for this scenario on trees and forests. This review focuses on tree and forest responses at boreal and temperate latitudes, ranging from the cellular to the ecosystem level. Adaptation to varying temperatures revolves around the trade-off between utilizing the full growing season and minimizing frost damage through proper timing of hardening in autumn and dehardening in spring. But the evolutionary change in these traits must be sufficiently rapid to compensate for the temperature changes. Many species have a positive response to increased temperature - but how close are we to the optima? Management is critical for a positive response of forest growth to a warmer climate, and selection of the best species for the new conditions will be of vital importance. Contents Summary 369 I. Introduction 370 II. Photosynthesis and respiration 370 III. Soil organic matter decomposition and mineralization 373 IV. Phenology and frost hardiness 376 V. Whole tree experimental responses to warming 380 VI. Changes in species distribution at warmer temperatures 381 VII. Adaptation and evolution 383 VIII. Ecosystem level responses to warming 387 Acknowledgements 390 References 390 Appendix I. Temperature response functions 399.

The dynamic nature of bud dormancy in trees: environmental control and molecular mechanisms.

Abstract: In tree species native to temperate and boreal regions, the activity-dormancy cycle is an important adaptive trait both for survival and growth. We discuss recent research on mechanisms controlling the overlapping developmental processes that define the activity-dormancy cycle, including cessation of apical growth, bud development, induction, maintenance and release of dormancy, and bud burst. The cycle involves an extensive reconfiguration of metabolism. Environmental control of the activity-dormancy cycle is based on perception of photoperiodic and temperature signals, reflecting adaptation to prevailing climatic conditions. Several molecular actors for control of growth cessation have been identified, with the CO/FT regulatory network and circadian clock having important coordinating roles in control of growth and dormancy. Other candidate regulators of bud set, dormancy and bud burst have been identified, such as dormancy-associated MADS-box factors, but their exact roles remain to be discovered. Epigenetic mechanisms also appear to factor in control of the activity-dormancy cycle. Despite evidence for gibberellins as negative regulators in growth cessation, and ABA and ethylene in bud formation, understanding of the roles that plant growth regulators play in controlling the activity-dormancy cycle is still very fragmentary. Finally, some of the challenges for further research in bud dormancy are discussed.

From genotype to phenotype: unraveling the complexities of cold adaptation in forest trees

Abstract: Adaptation to winter cold in temperate and boreal trees involves complex genetic, physiological, and developmental processes. Genecological studies demonstrate the existence of steep genetic clines...