Researchers in China are studying the effects of climate change on potato crops, a vital food source for the nation. Led by molecular biologist Li Jieping, a team at the International Potato Center in Beijing are growing potatoes under conditions predicted to occur at the end of the century, to better understand how they will be affected.
The experiment has yielded concerning results: the potatoes grown under heat stress conditions are smaller, with one weighing as little as a quail’s egg. This is an ominous sign for future food security, as China’s potato yields are already sensitive to heat and climate change is expected to worsen.
The researchers found that higher temperatures accelerated tuber growth by 10 days, but cut potato yields by more than half. This is a major concern, as China is the world’s largest producer of potatoes and they are critical to global food security due to their high yield.
Farmers in China are already feeling the effects of climate change, with many reporting that extreme weather events are affecting their crops. The research is part of a collaborative effort with the Chinese government to help farmers adapt to the changing conditions.
To combat the threat of climate change, scientists are working to develop new potato varieties that are higher-yielding and less susceptible to disease. The development of heat-tolerant varieties is also a major priority, as potatoes will need to be able to thrive in warmer temperatures if they are to remain a reliable food source.
Professor Li warns that farmers in China will need to start making changes within the next decade to adapt to climate change. This could involve planting potatoes during the spring instead of the start of summer, or moving to even higher altitudes to escape the heat. Failure to adapt could result in lower yields and rising food prices.
