With that said, freeze damage to small grains is highly dependent on the stage of the crop, the actual sub-freezing temperature reached and duration of the low temperature and environmental conditions that existed before the freeze occurred. As grains mature, they become more susceptible to injury from a freeze event. Small grains can easily withstand 25 F and lower temperatures from early developmental stages to jointing. Small grains in the jointing stage have been shown to withstand temperatures of 25 F without damage to the growing point.
After jointing, the growing point moves above the soil surface and is more susceptible to freeze damage.
From boot through flowering, small grains are most sensitive to cold temperatures and will not tolerate temperatures below 28 F, especially when the small grains have been exposed to temperatures above 50 F for an extended period of time prior to a freeze event. Start scouting 5-7 days after the freeze event to determine the potential injury on the more mature grains. Please see the following chart.
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