Frost Damage to Rye

Jun 11, 2021

Evidence of the freezing temperature causing damage to winter rye has just started to become visible in recent days (Photo 1). Affected florets have bleached appearance. When you pull back the glumes you will see that the anthers halted development and have not been extruded/pushed out. Neither are any kernel developing in these pale white florets.

Photo 1 - Frost damage on individual spikes of rye. Notice the pale, bleached glumes of the affected florets and the absence of extruded anthers.

I suggest that you contact your crop insurance agent if you have multi-peril crop insurance on your winter rye as this frost damage may fall under the adverse weather conditions cause of losses.

Source : umn.edu

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.