Winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), the principal oilseed crop in Europe, is notably vulnerable to spring frosts that can drastically reduce yields in ways that are challenging to predict with standard techniques. Our research focused on evaluating the efficacy of photosynthetic efficiency analysis in this crop and identifying specific chlorophyll fluorescence parameters severely impacted by frost, which could serve as noninvasive biomarkers for yield decline. The experiments were carried out in semi-controlled conditions with several treatments: a control, one day at -3°C, three days at -3°C, one day at -6°C, and three days at -6°C. We employed continuous-excitation and pulse-amplitude-modulation chlorophyll fluorescence measurements to assess plant sensitivity to frost. Also, plant gas exchange and chlorophyll content index measurements were performed. Certain parameters strongly correlated with final yield losses, thereby establishing a basis for developing new agricultural protocols to predict and mitigate frost damage in rapeseed crops accurately.

Department of Bioengineering West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin al Piastów 17 70 310 Szczecin Poland

Department of Environmental Management Institute of Environmental Engineering Warsaw University of Life Sciences SGGW Nowoursynowska St 159 02 787 Warsaw Poland

Department of Plant Physiology Institute of Biology Warsaw University of Life Sciences SGGW Nowoursynowska St 159 02 787 Warsaw Poland

Faculty of Agriculture and Ecology Warsaw University of Life Sciences SGGW Nowoursynowska St 159 02 787 Warsaw Poland

Faculty of Civil Engineering Warsaw University of Life Sciences SGGW Nowoursynowska St 159 02 787 Warsaw Poland

OPEGIEKA Sp z o o Aleja Tysiąclecia 11 82 300 Elbląg Poland

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