Water soluble carbohydrates and growth potential of winter wheat as influenced by weather conditions during winter

Snowed in for survival: Quantifying the risk of winter damage to overwintering field crops in northern temperate latitudes

“…At the same time, prolonged deep snow cover creates a dark humid environment, with temperatures constantly around freezing (see Section 2.4 below). These conditions enhance the depletion of plant carbohydrates reserves (Bergjord and Skjelvåg, 2011) and the development of snow molds (see, e.g., Bruehl, 1982;Gaudet et al, 1999 for details on the specific pathogens). Although low temperature stress increases snow mold susceptibility and snow mold stress reduces cold tolerance, mold resistance is not consistently associated with cold hardiness (Andrews et al, 1997;Gaudet et al, 1999).…”

“…Nevertheless, it would need to be complemented with variety-specific information on the rates of fructan depletion and dark respiration, as well as snow mold resistance decline under snow, to assess the extent of snow mold damage and lost spring growth potential on specific crops. The modelling of winter carbohydrate balance is still an active topic of research (Bergjord and Skjelvåg, 2011) and lies beyond the scope of this contribution.…”

“…Furthermore, overwintering crops provide some of the advantages of winter cover crops (e.g., reduction of soil erosion and nutrient leaching) without requiring the additional labor and expenses typical of cover crops. At the same time, overwintering crops are exposed to climatic vagaries for a longer period, with potentially negative impacts on winter survival rate, crop vigor, and hence final yields (Bergjord and Skjelvåg, 2011;Holmer, 2008;Licker et al, 2013;Peltonen-Sainio et al, 2011;Reinsdorf and Koch, 2013). It has long been understood that a range of conditions may damage overwintering plants (Salmon, 1917).…”

Effect of Postsowing Compaction on Cold and Frost Tolerance of North China Plain Winter Wheat

“…In addition, overwintering crops confer some advantages, including reduced soil erosion and nutrient leaching. However, overwintering crops are vulnerable to unfavourable weather for a longer period, potentially reducing winter survival rate, crop vigour, and thereby ultimate yield [4][5][6][7].…”