Description
Winterhardiness refers to a plant's ability to withstand cold temperatures in the late fall, winter, or early spring. The importance of this trait will vary with the severity of the winter season.
Taken from an interview with KSU Extension specialist, Dr. James Shroyer:
'Abrupt drops in fall temperatures reduce the time available for developing winterhardiness and leave crops vulnerable to freeze injury. An occasional period of one to three days where nighttime temperatures do not get below freezing will not cause significant loss of winter hardiness. It is when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above freezing for a week or so that there may be some loss of winter hardiness. The process of gaining and losing winter hardiness in winter wheat is a gradual one.'
Read More: http://southwestfarmpress.com/grains/kansas-wheat-retains-winter-hardiness-despite-mild-temperatures