Abstract: In recent years, the sub-optimal low-temperature disaster termed “late spring cold (LSC)” has frequently occurred, which seriously constrains the productivity and development of agroforestry, and consequently results in a significant economic loss. In order to alleviate and even avoid the impairment of the LSC on crops and further sustain their normal growth potential, farmers usually apply some remedial approaches such as foliar spraying of fertilizers to lower plant damage by cold. However, such currently  techniques show some limitations including laborious- and time-consuming as well as less effective reduction of the cold damage. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to develop new methods for tackling such problems. This paper  reviewed advances in research of the effects of sub-optimal low temperature on plant growth and development and the related physiological and biochemical processes. The effective role of exogenous application of hormones and other chemicals in relieving cold stress and possible molecular mechanisms of plant in response to chilling injury were discussed. This review was expected to provide valuable theoretical references for the exploration and improvement of plant tolerance to sub-optimal low temperature.

Key words: sub-optimal low temperature, late spring coldness, growth and development, cold resistance, physiological and biochemical, molecular mechanism

摘要： 近年来，“倒春寒”这一亚适低温灾害频繁发生，严重制约着农林业生产的发展，造成严重的经济损失。为缓解“倒春寒”对作物产生的不利影响，保持农作物正常生长态势，农业生产者通常在灾害发生后采取叶面喷肥等补救措施以降低损失。然而，现有技术手段仍存在费时费力且减害效果不明显等缺陷，亟需开发新的方法来应对这一难题。综述了亚适低温对植物生长发育及其生理生化过程的影响，探讨了外源激素等化学物质添加在减轻冷胁迫方面的作用以及植物响应冷害的分子机制，以期为探索和提高植物对亚适低温的耐受性提供理论参考依据。

关键词: 亚适低温, 倒春寒, 生长发育, 抗寒性, 生理生化, 分子机制