MARS: Mild winter prevents frost resistance from developing - high wintering potential throughout Europe The European crop monitoring agency Mar no longer expects frost events by the end of January 2020 . The temperatures that are much too mild for a normal winter continue for the time being. That has consequences. At first, the winter grains have been able to recover significantly in some critical regions with insufficient rainfall. In particular, the mild temperatures benefited the late sowing regions . However, there are also serious disadvantages for those locations that sooner or later have to expect to be surprised by freezing temperatures . This applies in particular to the northern and eastern regions . Frost resistance in the plants develops at slowly sinking temperatures below the zero degree limit.Starch in the plant cells is converted to glucose , thereby reducing the formation of ice crystals in the cell sap . This prevents the plant cells from pawing and dying. There is no winter hardiness in the plants in large parts of Europe . A sudden cold snap could lead to extensive wintering damage. Experience has shown that the month of February can lead to another very critical weather phase. The mild weather also means that the usual cold-related decimation of the pest potential is omitted. In this way, rising temperatures and high infection pressure can be expected when the vegetation enters. No reliable statements can currently be made about the possible effects of the previous weather pattern on the yield level . There are also significant rainfall deficits in some parts of Europe .Southern Italy , an important region for durum wheat, is particularly affected; but also large parts of Germany, western Poland and western Czechia . There were also precipitation deficits in the Balkans, Bulgaria and Romania . Dry conditions have prevailed in several of these regions since autumn. In winter, the lack of precipitation has a major impact on soil moisture and above all on groundwater replenishment as a buffer for the growing season with high water requirements.
