Technical article · Innovak News
For some time now, the climate has changed significantly. Rainfall in previously dry seasons, extreme heat waves, high radiation, and prolonged droughts are phenomena that keep farmers permanently alert. The effective photosynthesis period is shrinking drastically - what used to run from noon to 4 PM now starts at 10-11 AM and can last until 5-6 PM. During this extended period, plants close their stomata and essentially cease photosynthesis while waiting for ideal conditions.
If we have less photosynthesis, the plant will have less energy and less material to build different tissues, fruits, or seeds, which ultimately will be reflected in lower productive yield, explains Dr. Ali Asaff, CIAD researcher and R&D leader at Innovak Global. This is happening in virtually all intensive, extensive, and even forage crops. Not all crops tolerate abiotic stress equally - the most sensitive are berries.
High temperatures, extreme droughts, and high radiation are interrelated stressors. High temperatures and low relative humidity are currently the most problematic because they are the most widespread on the planet and have a very marked effect on photosynthesis. Understanding these dynamics is the first step toward implementing biostimulation strategies that extend the effective photosynthesis window and protect crop productivity.
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