Cultivation

Winter and spring forms of common wheat

Triticum aestivum L.

The classification of common wheat into winter and spring forms is determined by the state of Vrn loci, which regulate the plant's requirement for vernalization to transition to generative development.

In the reference 370 varieties crop Bread wheat, where this is mentioned in the description.

The genetic difference is due to the state of the Vrn loci: winter forms carry recessive alleles in these loci and require exposure to low positive temperatures to flower, whereas spring forms possess dominant alleles that allow them to develop without vernalization.

Biologically, the forms differ in the length of the growing season, which ranges from 200–300 days for winter wheat and 70–120 days for spring wheat. When sown in autumn, winter wheat develops a robust root system and tillers before the onset of winter, capable of withstanding frosts down to -25°C in the presence of snow cover.

Spring forms have adapted to rapidly utilize resources within a short vegetation cycle, though they are more sensitive to drought and temperature stress. In breeding, there are also 'facultative' forms that combine traits of both types, providing flexibility in sowing dates.

General information about the subject — on the page Winter and spring forms.

Sources8

Varieties of Bread wheat mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.