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Variety traits

Frost hardiness

Frost hardiness is the genetically determined ability of a plant to withstand exposure to sub-zero temperatures without tissue damage. This indicator reflects the critical temperature threshold beyond which the plant dies.

Mentioned in descriptions 11 978 varieties reference book.

Frost hardiness represents the ability of a plant organism to resist the impact of low sub-zero temperatures. It determines the critical threshold above which plant tissues undergo irreversible damage or death. Unlike overall winter hardiness, which also accounts for damping-off and the effects of thaws, frost hardiness focuses specifically on the cellular response to cold exposure.

This trait is genetically determined; however, its expression depends on the physiological state of the plant and the dynamics of external conditions. Frost hardiness is not a constant value: it increases during the period of deep winter dormancy and gradually decreases towards spring, as the plant loses its ability to resist cold due to dehardening.

The evaluation of frost hardiness during variety testing is conducted through laboratory freezing in controlled conditions or through long-term field observations of crop survival. For variety comparison, scoring scales, percentage of survival, or the determination of minimum permissible temperatures in degrees Celsius are used. Maximum realization of the innate genetic potential for frost hardiness is ensured by optimal sowing dates and adequate phosphorus-potassium fertilization in the autumn.

Sources10

Breakdown by crop

Found in these crops

Varieties that feature this in their description

Selection based on the description text, not official resistance ratings: such data is not available in registers. Mention indicates that the trait is discussed in the variety's sources; see the variety's profile for details on what is specifically stated.

Prunus persica (L.) Batsch · Peach

NL
3 records

Allium porrum L. · Leek

DE
2 records

PETER

Active

Pistacia vera L. · Pistachio

ES
2 records

Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. · Apple

NL
3 records

Rivaner

Active

Vitis L. · Grapevine

CZ
4 records

Premier

Active

Phalaris arundinacea L. · Reed canary grass

RO
2 records

Noris

Active

Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. · Apple

LT
2 records

Ranina

Active

Vitis L. · Grapevine

SI
3 records

Pyrus communis L. · European pear

CZ
4 records

Ribes nigrum L. · Blackcurrant

EE
3 records

Pálava

Active

Vitis L. · Grapevine

CZ
2 records

Primula

Application submitted

Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. · Apple

CZ
2 records

Pingo

Active

Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. · Apple

DE
3 records

Novamac

Active

Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. · Apple

PL
5 records

Medina

Active

Vitis L. · Grapevine

HU
2 records

Mascha

Active

Cichorium endivia L. · Endive

DE
2 records

Vaccinium corymbosum L. · Highbush blueberry

NL
3 records

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