Which of the following fruit categories is most associated with a need for chilling hours?

Stone fruits, which include varieties such as peaches, cherries, and plums, are most associated with a need for chilling hours. Chilling hours refer to the specific number of hours spent in temperatures between 32°F and 45°F during the winter months. Many stone fruit trees require this period of cold dormancy in order to break bud dormancy and prepare for successful flowering and fruiting in the spring. Without sufficient chilling hours, the trees may produce fewer flowers, resulting in a diminished yield or even failure to produce fruit altogether.

In contrast, berries typically have varied chilling requirements depending on the specific variety, with some being less reliant on chill hours than stone fruits. Citrus fruits thrive in warmer climates and generally have lower chilling hour needs. Tropical fruits, on the other hand, are adapted to consistently warm temperatures and do not require chilling hours at all, as they are not subject to winter dormancy. Therefore, stone fruits are the category most critical of chilling hours for successful growth and production.