What can we predict on the future of agriculture? Will the crops, fruits and vegetables modify over time to suit to the changing conditions or the rate of global warming is way too high to make such changes possible?
Good question, different crops respond differently with global warming. It is wise to investigate how different crops/fruits will respond to the changes of climate. I have done research on how climate will affect future maize yields. The findings was that increase in temperature will reduce the length of growing season of maize crop. This has effects (positive to mountainous/high ground) where the length of growing season reduces maybe from 5 months to 3 months. However, the increase in temperature will have negative effects on maize yields over low lying areas, low land, temperature reduces the length of growing season in such a way that affect yields. I respect to your question yes if the crop breeder can help to produce different cultivars with respect to the anticipated change, may help to increase production and issues of food security.
On the other hand rice yields increase with increase in temperatures. Therefore the issue is complicated and need to be addressed wisely
Global warming can affect agriculture in a number of ways. A reduction in precipitation and in snowfall and ice melt, and saltwater intrusion into aquifers and freshwater bodies, can lower yield by decreasing available freshwater. But a rise in precipitation and a large increase in snowfall and ice melt can also reduce crop yield through flooding or damage from high intensity storms. Changes in average temperature, particularly upward changes, and the timing and distribution of precipitation can likewise affect crop yield. As Global warming is considered as responsible factor for climate change, thus due to climate change there will be reduction inn crop yields from increased flooding or waterlogging , Increased incidence of crop pests and diseases, Loss of crops due to extreme weather
events and similar more. if your are innterest in projected impact of climate change on the agriculture sector and the related technology needs, see the attached article.
Climate change could affect farming practices, as well as pest control and the varieties of crops and animals that could be raised in particular climactic areas. These could, in turn, affect the availability and price of agriculture products as well as the costs of doing business.
http://climate.ncsu.edu/edu/k12/ClimateChange-Ag
I agree with Surender concerning impacts on pests and pest control. However we don't know about impacts of extreme weather events on plant pests and pest control. More research in this field is needed urgently. Climate Change is likely to increase the frequency, intensity, spatial extent, duration and timing of weather and climate extremes and can result in unprecedented extremes. Managed systems like agriculture are not immune to them.
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