PROSSER — Weather experts are warning that the continuing cold weather threatens dormant cherry buds in Washington state.
With low temperatures in the low single digits in central Washington, the Yakima Herald-Republic reports that Washington State University weather system says damage to the buds is likely.
Officials with the Prosser-based system, AgWeatherNet, performed tests last week in Prosser and Benton City for the cold-hardiness of cherries, a measure of how much cold they can tolerate. All fruit trees and grape vines build up tolerance to cold as the season progresses, but abrupt dips in temperature can harm the buds and cells that transfer water during the irrigation season.
