Study Reveals Climate Impact on Chinese Potatoes

Chinese researchers are sounding alarms about the vulnerability of potato crops to climate change, revealing that higher temperatures could significantly threaten food security. A study led by molecular biologist Li Jieping at the International Potato Center in Beijing found that simulated temperature increases, reflecting predictions for the end of the century, resulted in smaller potatoes weighing just 136 grams, less than half the typical size. While accelerated growth was noted, yields were reduced by over 50%. The research highlights that China, the world's largest potato producer, is already experiencing the effects of extreme weather, including drought and flooding. Under current climate policies, the global temperature may rise by as much as 3.1°C by 2100, which poses further risks to agricultural output. Li expressed concern that farmers may harvest fewer tubers, which could severely impact food security.