Abstract
We have already reported that the acidification to pH 2.0 with sulfuric acid solution in the freeze-thaw process promoted the freezing injury of leaves of cold-acclimated winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Chihokukomugi). In this study, we examined a modified freezing test to estimate the influence of freeze-thaw cycles in the acid meltwater in early winter or early spring on the viability of wintering plants. When freeze-thaw cycles were repeated four times, survival rates of leaves treated with sulfuric acid solution gradually decreased as freeze-thaw was repeated. Further, we estimated the influence of acid condition in the freezing, thawing or post-thawing process on the viability of leaves of winter wheat. Survival rates of leaves decreased by existence of sulfuric acid solution in the thawing process. These results suggested that acid condition in the thawing process might become a factor to promote freezing injury of winter wheat.
