Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 3.1
Horti-pastural system with fodder and sheep components in a mango
orchard in Mahaboobnagar district, Andhra Pradesh.
3.4 IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE
VARIABILITY
The effect of climate is well known in fruit crops and each cultivar requires
a specific climatic condition for their growth. Temperature is probably
the most important component of the climate, which causes difference in
growth and fruit characteristics. Among the climatic factors, temperature
is an important parameter, which significantly affects the quality and pro-
duction. Limitation of rainfall can be overcome by supplemental irrigation
but the effect of temperature can be rarely managed. Understanding the in-
fluence of climate factors, particularly temperature on horticultural crops
is essential for forecasting of pests and diseases (Sankaran et al., 2008).
Climatic factors influence a number of physiological processes and
the ultimate yield in fruit crops (Table 3.1). All fruit crops in general are
subjected to weather extremes out of which drought and heat wave are
important. Temperature is the most important factor that influences physi-
ological processes and yields.
TABLE 3.1
Climate Change Impacts on Fruits in Rainfed Regions
Physiological Effects
Yield
Drought
Drying of trees and vegetative growth is affected
Low yield
Flood
Anaerobic condition in root zone and death of
plants
Low to no yield
Heat wave
Bud break and fruit growth is affected, e.g.,
Mango, Citrus
Low to medium yield
