Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release

This project addresses the effects of climate change in the UK on blackcurrant production, where the trend towards warmer winters has adversely affected dormancy break and subsequent crop yields and quality, substantially reducing profitability. The use of existing dormancy-breaking treatments, developed for other perennial crops, will be assessed for their efficacy in blackcurrant, their use optimised, and their mode of action evaluated. Best practice guidelines for growers will be developed. Additionally, models predicting responses to the chilling environment for different varieties will be established, and this information will be used to direct the use of dormancy-breaking treatments to improve yield and quality.