The Ice-Defying Science Behind Cherry Trees’ Supercooling Survival
In the chilly winters of British Columbia, sweet cherry trees employ a fascinating survival trick called supercooling, allowing their flower buds to stay unfrozen even in sub-zero temperatures.
But this delicate balance can be shattered by a sudden cold snap, as seen in January 2024 when extreme weather wiped out most of the region’s cherry crop. Researchers are digging deep into how these trees manage this feat and why their protection fades in early spring. These insights could be crucial as climate change threatens to make winter even more unpredictable.
