THE INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM ON THE COLD ACCLIMATION OF WINTER WHEAT ( Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Mineral nutrition influenced the rate of cold acclimation and the level of hardiness attained by winter wheat plants grown in modified Hoagland’s solution. Plants grown in modified Hoagland’s solution at (a) one-half strength (control), (b) low potassium and (c) low phosphorus acclimated the fastest and were the hardiest. Plants grown in high and very high levels of nitrogen and a high level of phosphorus were the least hardy. For the acclimation period, significant correlation coefficients existed between the LT 50 and osmotic potential, crown moisture content and crown dry weight for all nutrient regimes. However, when differences due to nutrient regimes were considered, there were no significant correlations with LT 50 .