MARS: Development of winter hardiness in wheat at a low level The agrometeorological institute of the EU Commission (MARS) determined the winter hardiness in wheat on the basis of weather data from December 3, 2021 with the help of a long-term proven calculation model for large parts of Europe. Winter hardiness arises when temperatures drop around and below zero degrees due to the increasing conversion of starch into glucose in the plant cells. This prevents it from bursting. Until recently, the temperature development in Europe has resulted in a comparatively low level of winter hardiness . However, the characteristics differ in the individual regions. In Western and Central Europe only a partial winter hardiness is observed, while in Bulgaria, Southeast Romania and large parts of southern Russia and the Ukraine a very weak winter hardiness was determined.In the north-western regions of Europe , the winter hardiness of wheat has progressed somewhat, while in the south-eastern European parts the development has not progressed significantly. In northern Europe, including northern Russia , the frost hardiness is already further advanced. In the regions with delayed seed emergence such as B. in France and the Black Sea region, the stocks are more susceptible to winter damage. An unexpected sudden cold spell could lead to correspondingly high winter damage. The previous weather forecasts do not see such a development so far .
