Grain harvest in a field near Babisnau on the outskirts of Dresden.
(dpa) Experts believe that the effects of climate change will be a challenge for wheat production in the coming years. According to a strategy paper published in Berlin by the organization Wheat Initiative, studies indicate a drop in yield of seven percent per degree increase in temperature. It is the result of a joint effort by wheat researchers, government officials and plant breeding companies, according to a statement.
In irrigated regions, the reduced availability of water is already having a major impact, the report says. Aggravation is expected due to falling groundwater levels and decreasing amounts of precipitation. Increased pressure to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides in favor of climate and environmental protection is also to be expected. According to the paper, research priorities include increasing genetic diversity and understanding root and soil biology.
The Wheat Initiative was founded in 2011 on the initiative of the G20 agriculture ministers. The organization networks wheat research worldwide and wants to make a contribution to securing cultivation. According to the report, in 2020 there were around 770 research projects on aspects such as wheat improvement in Australia, Canada, China, Spain and the USA alone. In contrast to rice, which is largely consumed in the producing country, almost a quarter of global production of wheat is traded internationally, the report says.