Evaluation of frost resistance in varieties of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

The aim of this study was to determine the most sensitive growth stage of common buckwheat to frost temperatures and evaluate differences in frost resistance among varieties. A modified field-laboratory method was utilised for the study on four varieties of common buckwheat. The lethal temperature (LT50) was determined for all variants. The critical time of frost action (Lt(50)) was determined for the lethal temperature and for the most sensitive growth stage. Buckwheat is most sensitive to frost temperature from the stage of primary leaves to the stage of two secondary leaves. Differences among the growth stages developed with plant hardening during the growth. The lethal temperature of buckwheat was in the range -1.3 to -2.9degreesC depending on the stage of development and growing conditions. The critical time of frost action (temperature - 2degreesC) was in the range 4.3 to 5.9 hours. Varieties Pyra and Emka were most resistant from chosen varieties.