RAPID COLD ACCLIMATION AND DEACCLIMATION IN WINTER SPINACH

The freezing tolerance of three winter spinaches obtained from China: Harbin, Beijing and Shantung, and one spring spinach, Bloomsdale, were investigated before and after cold acclimation and de-acclimation.
Prior to acclimation, the four cultivars had similar freezing tolerance with a LT₅₀ of about -6.5°C. Acclimation and de-acclimation proceeded rapidly.
After 2-weeks of acclimation, Harbin showed a greater freezing tolerance (LT₅₀:-17°C) than Beijing (-14°C), Shantung (-13°C) and Bloomsdale (-12°C). The greatest changes in freezing tolerance occurred during the first day of acclimation (4–5°C/day) and de-acclimation (3–5°C/day), with more than 60% of acclimation and de-acclimation completed in the first three days.

II Symposium on Winter Hardiness in Woody Perennials

A. Fennell, P.H. Li

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1985.168.20