Adapting to climate change is becoming a pressing issue for agriculture around the world.
In China, researchers are tackling this challenge by developing innovative crop solutions. One such effort focuses on creating a new potato variety that can withstand extreme weather conditions, writes Ziare.
Biologists at the Chinese division of the International Potato Center (CIP) have engineered a potato variety with tubers significantly smaller than the average size.
This new type, developed by molecular biologist Li Jieping, was tested under controlled conditions to mimic the climate of the late 21st century.
The temperature during testing was set three degrees Celsius higher than the current average in northern China and Inner Mongolia. These regions are projected to face harsher weather patterns in the future.
The tubers produced by this potato weigh just over 100 grams on average, with some as small as quail eggs.
Despite their size, the plants demonstrated a remarkable ability to endure high temperatures and humidity.
This is a crucial development for China, which is the largest potato producer in the world. The country already faces challenges like heavy rainfall and diseases that damage crops.
A researcher in Beijing noted that Chinese farmers will need to adapt their practices within the next decade.
They may have to start planting earlier in the spring instead of summer or move their fields to higher altitudes.
These adjustments would help avoid issues like drought and flooding. Another growing concern for farmers is the increasing aggressiveness of potato blight.
Variants of this disease are becoming more resistant to traditional prevention methods. Li Jieping and her team are warning that climate change is intensifying these threats.
While recent tests on the new potato variety have shown promise, the research is still ongoing. Accelerated growth under high-temperature conditions has resulted in smaller tubers, and further work is needed to refine the variety.
As global temperatures continue to rise, researchers emphasize the urgency of addressing these challenges. Without swift action, the risk of a major food crisis looms large.
The United Nations has also raised alarms. Officials have stated that without effective climate policies, global temperatures could increase by up to 3.1 degrees Celsius by the century's end.
This highlights the importance of innovative agricultural solutions like the one developed by Chinese researchers to secure food supplies for the future.
