Scientists Develop Heat-Resistant Crops to Combat Climate Challenges

Summary:

Impact of El Niño on Agriculture in Southeast Asia and Advances in Heat-Resistant Crops
During the 2015 El Niño event, 85% of the provinces in the Philippines experienced severe drought, resulting in an estimated US$ 217 million worth of crop destruction by March 2016. Staple crops, particularly rice, are highly sensitive to extreme heat, causing significant drops in yields. In 2015, rice production in Southeast Asia fell by 15 million tons, contributing to a 16% global rise in rice prices.
To combat this, scientists in Southeast Asia are developing heat-resistant crops and advising on best agricultural practices. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines is using genome editing to create heat-resistant rice varieties. Studies have shown that for every one degree increase in the minimum temperature, rice yield declines by 10%. Researchers are focusing on the reproductive phase of rice development, the most heat-sensitive stage, to introduce heat tolerance.
While new heat-resistant rice strains are being developed, existing varieties like Nagina22 (N22) and adjusted planting schedules are recommended to mitigate heat stress. Research on other crops such as legumes and wheat is also underway to improve heat tolerance. For instance, heat-tolerant chickpea, mung bean, and urd bean genotypes have been identified, and new wheat varieties yielding significantly more under warmer temperatures have been developed.
Future efforts will require collaboration between governments, local municipalities, and scientists to ensure farmers have access to necessary resources like affordable energy and irrigation systems. Efficient administrative systems for approving new crop varieties will also be essential.
This article was first published in Asian Scientist Magazine, January 2024.