Early heat waves reduce wheat yield but boost later resilience
Researchers from the University of Lleida in Spain found that early-season heat waves lower wheat yields but increase resistance to later heat events.
Timing affects crop sensitivity
New research published in the Journal of Experimental Botany shows wheat is most sensitive to heat before flowering. Damage depends on when the heat wave occurs relative to the crop stage. Later heat waves cause less grain loss than those hitting the plant earlier.
Priming effect protects crops
Exposure to an initial heat wave creates a protective priming effect for subsequent stress events. This mechanism reduces yield losses during additional heat waves that occur later in the season. The study investigated how intensity, frequency and timing interact to affect total crop output.
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