Agricultural Research Council - Small Grain Institute, Private Bag X21, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa; Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council - Grain Crops Institute (ARC-GCI), Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
Craven, M., Agricultural Research Council - Small Grain Institute, Private Bag X21, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa, Agricultural Research Council - Grain Crops Institute (ARC-GCI), Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Barnard, A., Agricultural Research Council - Small Grain Institute, Private Bag X21, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa; Labuschagne, M.T., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
The influence of sudden cold spells during grain filling of wheat on the quality traits of three South African hard red wheat cultivars (Gariep, Elands and Tugela-DN) was studied, with the emphasis on Hagberg falling number (HFN). Four treatments were used (-1°C at soft dough stage, -1°C at late milk stage, -4°C at soft dough stage and -4°C at late milk stage) and were administered for one night only. From the results it was concluded that, although limited in duration, such frost conditions did have an effect on the quality of the wheat cultivars. Cultivars differed in their response to the various treatments but also as to what quality traits were affected the most. The -4°C at late milk stage resulted in significantly reduced HFN being measured for both Elands and Tugela-DN. A similar effect was observed for Gariep, but was not statistically significant. Although the response was limited to the main tillers only, the conclusion was made that it is probable that the reduced HFN would be visible in the pooled sample of head and side tillers. A screening protocol was suggested that would allow classification of cultivars for frost tolerance. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.