Cryoprotectant evaluation in spring rape under model low-temperature stress

This study investigated the effects of cryoprotectants with various compositions on the lowtemperature stress resistance of spring rape (Oredezh 6 variety) in a model experiment. The cryoprotectants used were preparations containing a complex of chemical substances, including polysaccharides, amino acids, glycol, and chelated microelements. The experimental design included the following treatments: 1) control (water), no freezing; 2) control (water), freezing; 3) cryoprotector LP 8; and 4) cryoprotector LP 10. Twenty-four hours prior to freezing, spring rape plants in the 2–3 leaf phase were treated with cryoprotectors. Plants were frozen twice in laboratory freezers at –10°C for 16-hour periods, with an 8-hour interval between freezing cycles. Plant weight was measured, leaf area was determined using the Saporeo program, sugar content was assessed via refractometry, electrolyte leakage was measured using a conductometer, and chloroplast activity was assessed using a portable N-tester. Following the freezing treatments, the effects of cryoprotectors were evaluated. Results showed that plants treated with cryoprotectors LP 8 and LP 10 exhibited increased resistance to low-temperature stress. This was evidenced by average increases of 26.8% in plant weight, 19.1% in leaf area, a two-fold increase in sugar content, a 6.7% increase in membrane stability index, and an 18% increase in photosynthetic activity compared to the freezing control (water). These findings suggest avenues for further research in this area.