Following a mild growing period in the first half of March during which most varieties of winter oats, wheat, barley, and rye had broken their dormancy and were growing and jointing rapidly, the temperature dropped to 12° F, and to 9° F a few days later. In addition to much killing of tissues resulting in reduced stands and in reduced numbers of tillers, most of the remaining tillers failed to develop normally and produced weak straw which normally are erect. A marketed increase in the number of primary florets bearing awns was noted in oats. Possible explanations are presented for the production of week straw and undersized kernels.

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