Winterkill Worries in Ukraine Wheat

February 2, 2012

Poorly established wheat in Ukraine may be vulnerable to winter kill from sub-zero F temperatures.   Sources in Ukraine are worried about the intense cold wave having a negative impact on winter wheat,  already in bad shape from drought.   Near zero F temperatures have occurred in southern Ukraine wheat, where snow protection is inadequate.

Drought in southern Ukraine became very severe by mid December, when the government estimated 70% of winter grains were in poor condition.  Previously,  the head of the meteorology department stated up to third of winter wheat may be irrevocably lost from  a historic drought.

Poor development in winter wheat was confirmed on a late fall satellite vegetation image, just prior to wheat going dormant.  Subscribers continue to full story...