Challenge Rising night-time temperatures due to climate change are increasingly linked to significant crop yield losses. For key crops such as tomato, wheat, and cotton, yield can decline by 3–10% for every 1°C increase in night temperature. This trend poses a serious threat to global food and fibre security, particularly in regions already experiencing climate stress.
Solution This project investigates the physiological and developmental impacts of warm nights on crops and aims to identify traits that confer tolerance to elevated night temperatures. By studying how warm nights affect plant growth and productivity, the research will provide critical insights into mechanisms of heat stress and highlight potential breeding targets for more resilient crop varieties.
Impact The findings will support the development of climate-resilient crop cultivars capable of maintaining high yields despite warming night-time conditions. This will help safeguard food and fibre production in the face of global temperature rise and provide valuable strategies for adaptation in agriculture worldwide.
