AgriMAXX Wheat

Assessing Spring Freeze Damage

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Much of the United States experienced freezing temperatures one or more days during March 17th – March 21st. Freezing temperatures reached across the southern states as well, stretching from Louisiana to Virginia. Here are some reported lows, as reported by weather.com.
Russellville, KY:

  • 3/17: 25
  • 3/18: 22
  • 3/19: 19
  • 3/20: 29

Jackson, TN:

  • 3/17: 27
  • 3/18: 21
  • 3/19: 20

Winnsboro, LA:

  • 3/19: 25
Decatur, AL:

  • 3/18: 26
  • 3/19: 22

Florence, SC:

  • 3/20: 28

Greenville, NC:

  • 3/21: 27

Warsaw, VA:

  • 3/19: 25
  • 3/20: 25

 
Many areas have expressed concern whether or not this will damage their wheat crop. There are three main things that contribute to spring freeze injury:

  1. Growth stage of wheat
  2. Low temperature realized
  3. Length of time at critical temperature levels

Chris put together this video below to show what to look for when assessing spring freeze damage. This video was taken in Southern Kentucky.

 

Below is a chart, courtesy of Texas A&M, that highlights freeze risk, symptoms and potential yield effects.

 

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