The risk of overwintering increases again The climate data evaluation of the Agrometeorological Institute at the EU Commission (MARS) shows a pronounced temperature sum surplus for large parts of Central and Eastern Europe. After the short cold spell in mid-December 2022, the unusually warm temperatures at the beginning of 2023 ensured that the winter hardiness achieved by the cereal plants was reduced again. As a result, the conversion of starch into sugar in the plant cells for frost protection purposes has reversed itself. Another cold snap in the coming weeks with little snow could contribute to winter damage. A weather development with pronounced degrees of frost would not be unusual for the month of February. The currently rising warm air could create space near the ground for the heavy cold air flowing in from the north. However, the relevant weather models cannot be predicted with certainty at the moment. Repeated changes in weather with frosty nights and thaws during the day would also damage the plants. The water-saturated soil expands from freezing and would contribute to ripping off the plant roots.A continuation of the previous warm period also has other downsides. The pests and diseases, which are usually severely decimated in freezing temperatures, increase their population and lead to a well above-average damage pressure at the beginning of the growing season.
