Sprinkler irrigation to protect apricots from frost

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Abstract
Water sprinkling is a successful means of protecting apricot buds, blossoms, and young fruits from frost. Three rates of precipitation (0.10, 0.12, and 0.15 in. per hour) have been used at all stages of blossom and fruit development. Pre-bloom sprinkling could be justified only in those years when a period of warm temperatures in late July-early August is followed by a period of low temperatures, which can cause severe bud loss. Bloom and post-bloom sprinkling has resulted in good yields compared with considerably reduced yields on unsprinkled trees. A precipitation rate of 0.15 in. per hour appears to be necessary to protect apricots when the air temperature at 4 ft 6in. above ground level falls to 25°F. Sprinklers may safely be turned on when temperatures are 2°F above those recommended for firepot lighting during the bloom and post-bloom period.

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