Abstract
In a continuing study to improve the efficiency of dormant bud cryopreservation for
tissues hardened in maritime climates, the water status of dormant buds was monitored
between -4°C and recovery from liquid nitrogen (LN). Measurement of water content, simple
thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were employed. Buds did not lose
water during cooling to, or holding at -30°C indicating that cryodehydration and/or other
adaptive responses contributed during this essential step. A bud exotherm that was an artefact
of warming was detected due to necessary handling at -4°C before cooling to -30°C. There
were no significant differences between cultivars with respect to water status at -30°C or
immediately upon rewarming from LN despite significant differences in post-LN survival.
Buds rehydrated in 5 days, but up to 14 days may be needed for recovery for some cultivars.
In some instances buds could be grafted without rehydration, taking up water across the early
graft union