Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.1, 27-36 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 27 Research Article Open Access Impact of Climate Change on Cassava Cultivation: Genetic Adaptations and Breeding Strategies Wenzhong Huang , Zhongmei Hong CRO Service Station, Sanya Tihitar SciTech Breeding Service Inc., Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author email: hitar@hitar.org Field Crop, 2024, Vol.7, No.1 doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0004 Received: 08 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 12 Feb., 2024 Published: 26 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang and Hong, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Huang W.Z., and Hong Z.M., 2024, Impact of climate change on cassava cultivation: genetic adaptations and breeding strategies, Field Crop, 7(1): 27-36 (doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0004) Abstract Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), as an important food and energy crop, is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. However, in recent years, with the intensification of global climate change, cassava cultivation has faced increasing challenges. This study delves into the specific impacts of climate change on cassava cultivation and seeks effective response strategies. By analyzing the impact of climate change on the growth cycle, yield, and quality of cassava, as well as its impact on cassava cultivation areas and planting patterns, scientific basis is provided for the sustainable development of cassava industry. Meanwhile, this study will also focus on exploring the application of genetic adaptation and breeding strategies in cassava cultivation, in order to cultivate new cassava varieties with stronger stress resistance, higher yield, and better quality, aiming to provide strong support for the sustainable development of the cassava industry. Keywords Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz); Climate change; Cassava cultivation; Genetic adaptation; Breeding strategy; Stress resistant varieties Climate change is an escalating global phenomenon that poses significant challenges to various sectors, with agriculture being particularly vulnerable. The global trends of climate change are characterized by rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. These changes have profound implications for agricultural production, as they affect crop growth, yields, and the distribution of pests and diseases. Studies have shown that climate change is projected to impact food production stability in many tropical countries, with significant alterations in the climatic suitability for major food crops (Chemura et al., 2020). Cassava is a staple food crop for millions of people in the tropics and is renowned for its resilience to harsh environmental conditions. It plays a pivotal role in global food security, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite its hardiness, cassava is not impervious to the stresses imposed by climate change, and its production is susceptible to the changing climate (Enete et al., 2013). Cassava cultivation faces specific challenges due to climate change, including alterations in the length of the growing season, increased incidence of water stress, and the potential for reduced tuber quality and post-harvest losses. Climate variability and change have been shown to affect cassava yields, with temperature fluctuations and altered rainfall patterns posing significant risks to production. Additionally, the post-harvest processing of cassava is also impacted, with changes in climate affecting the drying and fermentation processes, which are crucial for the conversion of cassava into edible and marketable products (Enete et al., 2013). To combat the adverse effects of climate change on cassava cultivation, genetic adaptation and breeding strategies are essential. Breeding new varieties of cassava that are tolerant to extreme climatic conditions, such as excessive rainfall, heat, and flood, is a critical step towards ensuring sustainable production. Furthermore, the development of cassava varieties with improved resistance to pests and diseases, which are likely to proliferate under changing climate conditions, is also a priority (Chapman et al., 2012). The implementation of these strategies can enhance the resilience of cassava to climate change, thereby contributing to food security and the livelihoods of farming communities (Owoeye, 2020).
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