Winter 2017/18? - Barely minimum temperatures below zero in the next 14 days! According to the climatic data findings of the agrometeorological institute at the EU Commission (MARS), weather development so far has stimulated the lush growth of winter cereal plants. The few days with regionally limited temperatures below 0 degrees were not enough to winterize the cereal plants in many parts of Europe . Plants reach their winter hardiness by converting the starch in the plant cells to glucose when the temperature drops.As a result, the freezing point of the cell juice is lowered. Similar to the radiator antifreeze, ice does not form. To a certain extent, in this way, the bursting of the cells can be prevented. However, this process takes some time. According to the current state, almost no winter hardiness is detected in winter wheat in many parts of Western Europe . Only in the southeastern parts are moderate approaches available. If, surprisingly, a cold spell ceases without protective snow cover, severe damage from wintering is to be expected. However, according to the weather forecasts available so far, a warm front should deliver minimum temperatures until after Christmas , which are above the zero-degree line.This front extends as far as Poland and the Baltic states, but does not reach beyond the higher mountain ranges in the south and southeast. In the broader perspective, the weather conditions prevail until the turn of the year , although the accuracy of the prediction decreases significantly. According to the current state of knowledge, an improvement in the winter stability of cereal plants is not to be expected for the time being. The danger of a potential Auswinterung remains high. However, the winter period lasts for a few months, during which the weather conditions can change considerably.
