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China scientists rush to climate-proof potatoes

In a research study center in the northwest of Beijing, molecular biologist Li Jieping and his team harvest a cluster of seven abnormally small potatoes, one as tiny as a quail's egg, from a potted plant.

Grown under conditions that replicate forecasts of greater temperatures at the end of the century, the potatoes supply an ominous sign of future food security.

At just 136 grams (4.8 oz), the bulbs weigh less than half that of a normal potato in China, where the most popular varieties are often two times the size of a baseball.

China is the world's most significant producer of potatoes, which are crucial to worldwide food security because of their high yield relative to other staple crops.

But they are especially susceptible to heat, and climate change, driven by nonrenewable fuel source emissions, is pressing temperatures to dangerous new heights while also worsening dry spell and flooding.

With an immediate requirement to secure food products, Li, a. researcher at the International Potato Center (CIP) in Beijing,. is leading a three-year study into the impacts of higher. temperature levels on the vegetable. His team is focusing on China's. 2 most common ranges.

I fret about what will happen in the future, Li said. Farmers will harvest fewer potato bulbs, it will influence. food security.

Li's group grew their crop over three months in a walk-in. chamber set at 3 degrees Celsius above the existing average. temperature in northern Hebei and Inner Mongolia, the higher. elevation provinces where potatoes are normally grown in China.

Their research study, published in the journal Climate Smart. Agriculture this month, found the greater temperatures. accelerated root development by 10 days, however cut potato yields by. majority.

Under current environment policies, the world is dealing with as much. as 3.1 C of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100,. according to a United Nations report released in October.

Farmers in China state they are currently feeling the impact of. severe weather condition occasions.

In Inner Mongolia, dozens of workers clutching white sacks. rush to collect potatoes collected from the soil before the next. downpour.

The most significant challenge for potatoes this year is the heavy. rain, stated manager Wang Shiyi. It has triggered various. illness ... and greatly slowed down the harvest development.

On the other hand, seed potato producer Yakeshi Senfeng Potato. Market Business has actually invested in aeroponic systems where plants. are grown in the air under regulated conditions.

Farmers are significantly demanding potato ranges that. are higher-yielding and less prone to disease,. especially late blight, which caused the Irish Potato Famine. of the mid-19th century and grows in warm and damp. conditions.

Some brand-new and more aggressive (late blight) stress have. started to appear, and they are more resistant to conventional. avoidance and control techniques, stated basic supervisor Li Xuemin,. explaining the Inner Mongolia-based company's method.

The research by CIP, which is headquartered in Lima, is part. of a collective effort with the Chinese government to assist. farmers adapt to the warmer, wetter conditions.

In the greenhouse outside Li's lab, employees swab pollen on. potato flowers to develop heat-tolerant ranges.

Li says Chinese farmers will require to make modifications within the. next decade, planting during spring instead of the start of. summer season, or transferring to even greater elevations to leave the heat.

Farmers have to start getting ready for climate modification, Li. stated. If we don't find an option, they will earn less money. from lower yields and the price of potatoes may rise.

(source: Reuters)