Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Climate change may also impact activity patterns of pollinators. As
temperatures increase, pollinators are at risk of overheating, particularly
in regions where current ambient temperatures are high and climatic con-
ditions are stable. In these regions, pollinators such as bees have a body
temperature close to the ambient temperature and have a narrow thermal
tolerance. Bees have different mechanisms for avoiding overheating, such
as shade seeking and prolonged time spent in the nest. Bumblebees are
particularly prone to overheating if temperatures increase because of their
large size, dark color and hairy bodies.
20.5.2 IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN VEGETABLE
PRODUCTION
Climate change will have many impacts on horticulture and a few ex-
amples are given below (Thakur and Soni, 2012).
• A rise in a temperature of above 1ºC will have shifted a major area
of potential suitable zones.
• Production timing will change. Because of rise in temperature, crops
will develop more rapidly and mature earlier.
• While temperature rises, photoperiods may not show much varia-
tion. Onions, a photosensitive crop, will mature faster leading to
small bulb size.
• The winter regime and chilling duration will reduce in temperate
regions affecting the temperate crops.
• The faster maturity and higher temperature induced ripening will
make the produce a less storage period in trees/ plants. They will
overripe.
• Pollination will be affected adversely because of higher temperature.
Floral abortions will occur.
• Higher temperatures will reduce tuber initiation process in potato,
reduced quality in tomatoes and poor pollination in many crops. In
case of crucifers, it may lead to bolting; anthocyanin production may
be affected in capsicum.
20.5.3 ADAPTING TO CHANGING CLIMATE
A diverse assemblage of pollinators, with different traits and responses
to ambient conditions, is one of the best ways of minimizing risks due to
