Impact of frost on cereal varieties

Page last updated: Wednesday, 19 April 2023 - 1:39pm

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Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Research Officer Ben Biddulph was interviewed by reporter Debra Bishop for a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) GroundCover TV video on his findings into frost research which is a top priority among grain growers. Research into frost susceptibility of commercial cereal (wheat and barley) varieties is ongoing and the data contributes to the NVT FV-PLUS Frost Rankings tool. 

Frost can cause significant yield and quality losses, especially during spring when plants are flowering and most susceptible.

50 wheat varieties and 25 barley varieties have been planted at weekly intervals (from early April to early June) since 2014 in frost prone parts of the landscape in the Upper Great Southern and Central Wheatbelt. These are monitored for their response to frost during July, August, September and October.

The research, with GRDC investment as part of the Australian National Frost Program, and Frost Farming Systems provides crucial information that is incorporated into current frost management packages.

Ben's presentation can be viewed here;

Contact information

Amanuel Bekuma