Cold acclimation proteome analysis reveals close link between the up-regulation of low-temperature associated proteins and vernalization fulfillment.

Low-temperature (LT) stress is one of the major limiting factors in cereal production in cold high-altitude mountainous areas of Iran where cereals are exposed to variable periods of temperatures in the vernalization range during the autumn season. Cereals regulate their development through adaptive mechanisms that are responsive to low but nonfreezing temperatures. We exploited a proteomic approach to determine the interrelationship between vernalization fulfillment and expression of low-temperature (LT)-induced protein in most hardy Norstar and semi-hardy Azar2 wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell). These cultivars were subjected to 12 h of cold acclimating temperature (2 °C) over a period of 0−89 days. LT tolerance, as measured by LT50, and vernalization fulfillment, as estimated from final leaf number (FLN), was determined at intervals throughout the acclimation period. A significant decrease in FLN associated with LT treatment indicated that Norstar and Azar2 had vernalization responses. Azar2 achie...