Chilling requirement of four peach cultivars estimated by changes in flower bud weights

The adaptation of temperate fruit crops is a challenge being increased by the global warming. Chilling requirement key factor for adaptation. objective this study was to estimate chilling peach cultivars BRS Bonão, Esmeralda, Granada and Eragil, using Tabuenca test. accumulation computed four different hour (≤ 7.2 ºC ≤ 11 ºC) models; chill units Low Chill model Taiwan model. fresh bud weight water contents were also evaluated. test (based on differences in bud´s dry weight) showed fairly good efficiency estimating end dormancy peach. However, under mild winter conditions, it better use weights. Either one three computation models (temperature °C, 11°C, or model) suitable classify comparatively cultivars, but none accurate enough conclude given cultivar specific site. Using hours temperatures ºC: ‘BRS Bonão’ needed around 180 release; ‘Esmeralda’ 250 hours; ‘Granada’ between 300 400 hours, ‘Eragil’ more than 500 hours.