Researchers at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have made a breakthrough in frost research with the discovery that a type of bacteria found on some stubbles could elevate the risk of damage to cereal crops, particularly after rainfall.
The research is part of a two-year project funded by the Council of Grain Growers Organisations.
Field trials over the past two seasons at the Department’s Dale frost nursery show wheat grown on stubbles with ice nucleation active (INA) bacteria froze from the ground up at temperatures four to five degrees warmer than without stubble.
Research Scientist, Ben Biddulph said INA bacteria produced a protein that increased the freezing point of water, heightening the risk of frost damage to wet crops after slow-moving cold fronts.
Dr Biddulph said while the phenomenon had been observed in horticulture crops, this was the first time it had been confirmed in the State’s cereal crops.
“What we think is happening is that nutrient-starved INA bacteria on some stubbles produces a protein in the presence of cold and wet conditions prior to frost events that results in ice forming on the stubble, which causes plants it comes into contact with to freeze at warmer temperatures,” he said.
Dr Biddulph said the research was the most exciting leap in frost research in the past five years and puts the science behind anecdotal evidence from farmers and past trials.
He said while the findings were not a ‘silver bullet’ to frost mitigation, it opened the door to additional paddock management packages, treatments and plant breeding strategies to protect crops from the risk of frost damage.
“This discovery is just one piece in the puzzle in the learning curve of improving crop management to reduce the risk of frost impacting on crop performance and profitability,” Dr Biddulph said.
