Frost Hardiness of Iraqi Wheat genotypes

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