FROST HARDINESS OF IRAQI WHEAT GENOTYPES.

Abstract

Frost hardiness level in winter cereals is especially temperature dependent. The low temperature which kills 50% of plants (LT50) is considered to be a standard indicator of frost hardiness level of plant. Frost hardiness is considered the most important parameter for the field survival which is the ultimate measure of winter-hardiness of a cultivar. This study aimed to determine the genetic level of frost hardiness of five Middle Eastern varieties (Abu-Ghraib, Fatah, IPA 95, IPA 99, and Sham 6) in comparison to the European cultivar (Claire). All of the Middle Eastern varieties tested showed very similar LT50’sin the non-acclimated state, whilst when of acclimated they responded in different ways to freezing temperatures. Abu-Ghraib and Claire showed more tolerance than the other cultivars.