Mitigation of the effect of high temperature during grain filling can have a substantial impact on crop yield. When it comes to enhancing yield, it’s crucial to ensure that crops like wheat and rice are exposed to optimal temperatures during their growth stages.
High temperatures can be a significant problem during the flowering and grain-filling stages, reducing yield and grain quality. We’ve put together a few strategies for mitigating the impact of high temperatures at grain filling and enhancing the yield of your crops.
1. Water Management
One of the keys to mitigating the impact of high temperatures during the grain-filling period is the appropriate management of water. When crops are exposed to hot temperatures, they lose more moisture through transpiration, which can cause stress and reduce yield.
To avoid this, it’s essential to schedule regular irrigation to ensure that the soil remains moist. You can use drip irrigation or other techniques that avoid waterlogging and prevent root rot.
2. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is a popular management technique that can help mitigate the impact of high temperatures during grain filling. For example, planting legumes such as beans, chickpeas, or lentils during the planting season helps to fix atmospheric nitrogen, promote soil health, and reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. This has been shown to improve yield and reduce the impact of high temperatures.
3. Shade Management
Reducing the direct exposure of crops to sunlight during the day can help mitigate the impact of high temperatures at grain filling, and enhance yield. Using a shade net, for example, can reduce the transmission of solar radiation while still allowing sufficient light penetration for photosynthesis.. This technique is particularly useful for high temperature areas, as it reduces heat stress, a significant cause of yield loss in crops.
4. Plant Breeding and Selection
Plant breeders have developed crop varieties that are more tolerant to high temperatures during the grain-filling period. Selecting varieties that cope well with high temperatures is an important strategy for strengthening crop production, and enhancing yield. A few of the critical traits to look for in such crops include heat, drought and salinity tolerance, and pest resistance.
5. Nutrient Management
Appropriate nutrient management like fertilizer application and soil enrichment techniques can help mitigate the effect of high temperatures on crops and enhance yield.
In summary, mitigating the impact of high temperatures during grain filling is critical for enhancing yield. Measures like appropriate water management, crop rotation, shade management, plant breeding and selection, and nutrient management can all strengthen crop production even in high-temperature conditions. By adopting these management techniques, farmers and experts can ensure the best possible yield, maintain farm profitability, and lower food prices for consumers.