A US-led study has found that extreme heat can cause wheat to age faster, reducing yields. The study has implications for addressing the twin challenges of feeding more people as the Earth’s climate warms.

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The scientists, who tracked rates of senescence (wheat ageing) to reach their conclusion, released their findings on Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change. They did this by studying nine years of satellite measurements of wheat growth in the Ganges Plain, India, looking at the wheat’s performance following exposure to temperatures above 34oC.

The Stanford researchers explained the importance of their study; stating that they set out to ascertain whether senescence effects are already having an effect in farmers fields, and whether this effect was significant enough to harm yields, the researchers concluded that the answer to both questions was ‘yes’.

Climate scientists say that episodes of extreme heat are becoming more frequent and more prevalent across the globe, presenting huge challenges for growing crops. Wheat, the world’s second most widely produced crop, is particularly sensitive to temperature. The Stanford team suggest that their findings could be used to help farmers adapt to the changing climate, altering growing times to secure the best results.

Other studies, including one from  Australia conducted in 2010, have shown that temperature rises of just a few degrees Centigrade can cut wheat yields in half. The researchers said more resilient or faster growing wheat varieties will be needed to cope with rising temperatures.

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