Effect of Exogenous Calcium on Tolerance of Winter Wheat to Cold Stress during Stem Elongation Stage.

Low-temperature stress during stem elongation is a major factor limiting wheat yield. While calcium (Ca) is known to enhance stress tolerance, it's potential as an alternative to cold priming and the underlying mechanisms in wheat remains unclear. The current study assessed the effects of exogenous Ca and calcium inhibitors on wheat growth and related physiology mechanisms under low-temperature stress. The results revealed that exogenous Ca increased photosynthesis and antioxidant capacity, lowered cell membrane damage, and ultimately enhanced tolerance to low-temperature stress during the stem elongation stage, compared with the non-exogenous Ca treatment. Moreover, exogenous Ca induced endogenous Ca content and triggered the upregulation of Ca signaling and cold-responsive related genes. This study highlights the significance of exogenous Ca in enhancing stress tolerance and contributing to wheat yield improvement under low-temperature stress.