Understanding trait variation in response to temperature is important to predict how crops respond to rising temperature. Although we have a sound understanding of the effects of increasing temperature on growth and development of crops, a robust assessment of how crop reproductive processes are affected by climate warming is still lacking. In this study, we experimentally investigate how the growth temperature affects the cardinal temperatures of in vitro pollen germination of widely distributed tree crop species Cocos nucifera L. (cultivar Sri Lankan Tall). We hypothesize that temperature optima for pollen germination and pollen tube growth would be determined by the growth temperature. Our results showed that the temperature optima of pollen germination and pollen tube growth were higher at relatively warmer sites (sites where the mean annual temperature ∼ 28°C) compared to the cooler sites (sites where the mean annual temperature ∼ 22°C). The two processes were better coordinated at warmer sites. We speculate that tropical tree species that are currently growing in relatively cooler environments may have the capacity to perform their reproductive physiological functions in future warmer climates without any substantial negative impacts. Findings of this study should prove useful in quantifying the potential impacts of climate warming on tropical agro-ecosystems, improving the representation of plant reproduction in crop models.

Climate change has an impact on soybean production in the USA, necessitating thorough impact studies across broad geographic areas and extended periods to develop appropriate coping strategies. This study investigates the simulated response of soybean in ten major soybean-growing states of the USA under Climate Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 based on multiple global climate models, two representative concentration pathways [RCP8.5 and RCP4.5] under rainfed and irrigated conditions for 2013–2039, 2043–2069, 2063–2099. The future climate series was developed using Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project protocol by applying mean and variability, and CROPGRO-soybean model was explored for soybean simulation under 400 ppm CO2 level and a set of management. Under future climate, intense changes in temperature, precipitation amount and variability are anticipated under RCP8.5 than RCP4.5. As a result, a shorter life cycle, more evapotranspiration, lower grain production, higher water consumption and water productivity were expected under RCP8.5 than RCP4.5 scenarios. A higher reduction in grain yield and water productivity is expected under rainfed than irrigated conditions and intensity increases with advancement towards end of the century. Irrigation tends to decrease adverse climate change effects; however, the marginal economy for irrigation water must be assessed. Since the northern states under study are likely to experience increased grain yields or lower negative impacts, these areas could be the major production zones for soybean production in the future if only climate change is taken into account. Before reaching a convincing conclusion, different adaptation strategies must be thoroughly investigated.

The goals of this study are to analyse the impacts of 1.5 and 2.0°C scenarios on UK winter wheat using a combination of Global Climate Models (GCMs), crop models, planting dates and cultivars; to evaluate the impact of increased air temperature on winter wheat phenology and potential yield; to quantify the underlying uncertainties due to the multiple sources of variability introduced by climate scenarios, crop models and agronomic management. The data used to calibrate and evaluate three crop models were obtained from a field experiment with two irrigation amounts and two wheat cultivars that have different phenology and growth habit. After calibration, the model was applied to fifty locations across the wheat-growing area of the UK to cover all the main growing regions, with most points located in the main growing areas. Four GCMs, with two cultivars and five planting dates, were simulated at the end of the century. Results of this study showed that the UK potential wheat yield will increase by 2–8% under projected climate. Farmers will need to close such a gap in the future because it will have implications in terms of food security. Future climatic conditions might increase such a gap. Adaptation measures (e.g. moving the optimal planting time), along with climate-ready varieties bred for future conditions and with precision agriculture techniques can help to reduce this gap and ensure that the future actual UK wheat production will be close to the potential.

This study characterized the emergence pattern of a weed community of 16 species between April 1 and August 31 over a 7-yr period. Weed seedlings were counted weekly in quadrats established in winter wheat stubble within no-till and conventional-till production systems. Weed emergence showed two peaks, the first between April 25 and May 9, and the second between May 30 and June 13. Tillage did not affect the weed community emergence pattern. Knowledge of weed community emergence pattern in conjunction with crop simulation models could be used to suggest cultural practices such as optimal planting dates that favor a crop over weeds, and possibly reduce herbicide use for within-crop weed control.