Freeze Injury

People holding sorghum plants toward camera
(From left) James Schnable, Rebecca Roston and Toshihiro Obata hold young sorghum plants outside of the Bioscience Greenhouses on City Campus. The researchers are part of a $1.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation to try to boost the cold tolerance of sorghum, and eventually corn and other crops, by harnessing the power of the plant’s circadian rhythms. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Husker Researchers Aim to Help Crops Survive Cold Snaps

February 29, 2024
UNL researchers are examining the way sorghum defends itself against low temperatures and comparing it to the cold tolerance characteristics of foxtail millet to find answers on improving crop resilience. 

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Oct. 7 temperature outlook

Weekly Weather Update and Outlook: Oct. 5, 2023

October 6, 2023
Nebraska's first freeze for the season is expected tonight, followed by mild weather until mid-week, when another chance of precipitation is anticipated to arrive. 

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Frost damaged sorghum
If sorghum is at hard dough stage when temperatures dip to 28°F for a period of two hours, it may result in a yield reduction of around 20%.

Premature Frost Damage to Crops

October 14, 2022
UNL experts weigh in on the potential impacts for replant crops that experienced freezing temperatures Oct. 8 or may be at risk for a freeze this weekend.

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Frost damaged soybeans
Heavy residue area with frost-damaged soybean plants. Several rows impacted like this make replant decisions more difficult as often what is seen is the entire length of the field isn’t impacted, just areas of several rows with heavier residue. At first glance, these plants may all seem dead, but it’s been interesting to see what may be surviving when the residue is pulled back. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Assessing Plant Recovery and Replant Considerations

May 27, 2022
Nebraska Extension recommendations on evaluating fields that were affected by crusting, hail, wind and frost damage this past week in order to make plant recovery or replant decisions.

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Wheat with freeze injury

Assessing Freeze Injury to Wheat

Extension advises growers who are concerned about recent abnormally low temperatures to wait five days or so after the freeze to assess plant damage, as it takes several days of warm weather for injury to become apparent.

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