Global Wheat Production Threatened by Rising Heat Stress by 2090
• Research indicates extreme heat is becoming a greater threat to global wheat production than drought.
• High temperatures during the flowering period can disrupt wheat reproduction, leading to reduced yields.
• Climate models project that heat stress is accelerating, posing a growing danger to major wheat-producing regions.
Heat stress endangers global wheat production
Recent research highlights the growing threat of heat stress to global wheat production. Historically, drought has been the primary concern, but a new study indicates that extreme heat during the wheat flowering period is becoming a more significant issue. The flowering period, lasting 15 days, is essential for wheat reproduction, and temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) can disrupt meiosis, leading to sterile pollen and reduced fertilization. Temperatures above 35°C (95°F) post-fertilization can halt endosperm development, limiting grain size.
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