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Means of identification of crop, we hear, more affected by cold? (6,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

serial number

'means of identification' is the definition.
(a serial number identifies something)

'crop we hear more affected by cold?' is the wordplay.
'crop' becomes 'cereal' (cereal is a crop).
'we hear' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'more affected by cold?' becomes 'number' (more numb with cold).
'cereal' sounds like 'serial'.
'serial'+'number'='SERIAL NUMBER'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for serial number that I've seen before include "Product identifier" , "eg Eastenders tune" , "may be seen on your TV" , "It may identify one of a batch of items" , "One can specifically identify" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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