Spring frosts are a threat feared by arborists and winegrowers. At a time when vegetation is starting to grow again, a frost can cause considerable damage, compromising the year's harvest and undermining the sustainability of crops. While there is no solution that can completely prevent this damage, certain strategies can nevertheless help to better prepare plants for this stress.
At Biodevas, we offer natural solutions that, although not antifreeze agents, help plants better withstand these harsh conditions and recover more quickly after a frost.
The different types of spring frost and their effects on vegetation
Two types of spring frosts can impact crops:
- White frost: This occurs in clear, cold weather, with nighttime temperatures between -3°C and -5°C. A thin layer of ice crystals forms on vegetation, causing young shoots to brown and dry out.
- Black frosts: These occur when there is a massive influx of cold polar air, with temperatures dropping to between -5°C and -10°C. They cause much more serious damage, including the total destruction of young shoots and resulting in significant crop losses.
Before frost: strengthen plant resistance
When temperatures drop, vegetation slows down its metabolism to maintain its vital functions. However, in the event of frost, the water contained in the tissues crystallizes, which can cause cells to burst and cause irreversible damage.
Certain characteristics enable plants to be less sensitive to frost:
✅ High sugar and mineral salt content, which lowers the freezing point of the sap.
✅ A higher dry matter content, reducing the amount of free water that could freeze.
Biodevas solutions, applied upstream, stimulate plant physiology and enable them to be more resilient to cold weather:
- ACTIBOSCA / BOSCA-B: activates enzymes and promotes dry matter accumulation.
- MC BORON : stimulates carbohydrate production, strengthens cell walls, and promotes cell division.
- SECURA : improves cell wall strength and regulates cell permeability
- VITAMIX / SUPRABOSCA: combines the effects of the above products by combining our natural active ingredient technology with a balance of 100% bioavailable trace elements.
💡Important: These solutions are not antifreeze products, but they help the plant better withstand the stress caused by cold weather.
After the freeze: restarting growth and maximizing recovery
Once the frost has passed, the damage can vary in severity depending on the intensity of the cold and the stage of development of the crops.
There are two possible scenarios:
➡Destroyed parts can be compensated for (e.g., in potatoes) : An enzyme stimulation and growth program can be implemented to revive vegetation.
➡Destroyed parts are irrecoverable (e.g., loss of grape clusters): The challenge will then be to support the plant with post-frost applications to help it regenerate and ensure good reserves for the next season.
Conclusion
Spring frost is a major challenge for perennial crops. While there is no solution that can prevent a plant from freezing, certain strategies can help prepare it better and optimize its recovery after a cold spell.
Biodevas solutions are part of a comprehensive approach to abiotic stress management, supporting plant physiology before, during, and after these critical periods.
👉To learn more about our recommendations and solutions, contact us now!
