Low-temperature and cold wave
The
low temperature causes cold stress in plants and affects several key components
of photosynthesis. The cold stress in plants decreases membrane fluidity,
alters the lipid composition of the membrane, retarded metabolism, and delayed
energy dissipation leading to free radical formation and oxidative stress.
Freezing causes ice to form in a plant cell wall and intercellular spaces.
Chilling causes protoplast volume shrinkage upon extra-cellular ice formation. Late duration rice varieties are usually
cultivated in the lowland ecology of Odisha. Sometimes the reproductive stage
of these varieties coincides with the onset of winter and hence low-temperature
events.