Work

Strategies to avoid freezing in plants: a focus on spray-based methods and cuticular wax

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ice nucleation in plants (intrinsic and extrinsic) is a broad research topic, which covers both avoidance and tolerance strategies. Our review is focused on avoidance strategies against late spring frosts that will increasingly impact both fruit trees and herbaceous plants as climate change becomes more extreme. Most active frost protection methods are dependent on sprinkler irrigation, heaters, and fans, however these practices are often expensive, environmentally damaging, or may lose effectiveness under certain freezing conditions. Here, we review and comment on the efficacy of alternative spray-based strategies including bactericides, insulators, cryoprotectants, ice nucleation inhibitors, bio-stimulants, anti-transpirants, and hydrophobic films. Adjusting hormonal and genetic factors involved in cuticle development may also enable actively groawing plants to become more freeze-resistant by blocking extrinsic nucleation and preventing damage. The cuticle is the first line of defense for many abiotic and biotic stresses, and strengthening this barrier for multistress resistance should be further investigated.

Source: Canadian Journal of Plant Science

DOI: 10.1139/cjps-2025-0191

Authors: William Short, Tawhidur Rahman, Karen K. Tanino

Institution: University of Saskatchewan

Language: English

Topic: Plant Physiology and Cultivation Studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada