Assessment of Frost Damage in Walnut Orchards in Kaman District, Kırşehir Province, Following the Extreme Cold Wave Experienced in Turkey in 2025

Abstract

This study was conducted in Kaman, the largest district of Kırşehir province (Türkiye) by surface area, located between 39°21′ N latitude and 33°43′ E longitude. Walnut cultivation, which plays a pivotal role in the regional economy, is highly vulnerable to late spring frosts. Frost events occurring during the spring period cause severe yield losses by damaging the male and female flowers, as well as the young shoots of walnut trees. Within the scope of this study, the impacts of the severe frost event that occurred in the walnut orchards of Kaman district in the spring of 2025 were investigated. Extensive field observations and orchard examinations were carried out to determine the extent of frost damage on the male flowers, female flowers, and terminal buds of walnut trees across different age groups. Additionally, the elevation, slope, and aspect characteristics of the sampling sites were evaluated using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The results revealed that frost damage was predominantly intensified during the flowering period and varied significantly among orchards depending on topographical features. Notably, in the orchard coded G40, located at an elevation of approximately 980 m, renewed shoot development and limited fruit formation were observed following the frost event. The outcomes of this study are expected to contribute to frost risk assessment and optimal orchard site selection for sustainable walnut cultivation in the region.