2.3.2. Chilling Injury Index

Chilling injury (CI) was visually assessed after three weeks of exposure to chilling by employing the following scale: normal, no visible symptoms; trace, small necrotic areas on leaves but without growth restrictions (less than 5% of necrotic leaf area); slight, small necrotic areas on leaves (less than 15% of necrotic leaf area); moderate, well-defined necrotic areas on leaves (less than 30% of necrotic leaf area); and severe, extensive necrotic areas with severe growth restrictions (more than 50% of necrotic leaf area, plant still alive). By assigning a score of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, respectively, to each group, the average injury for each treatment was calculated [20].
