One of the risks associated with climate changes lies with drought. General Circulation Models predict that the vulnerability of mid-continent areas will increase with a greater rate of evapotranspiration than precipitation. The potential exists that droughts may last longer, and thus, produce more devastating effects.
It is for these same reasons that genetically-modified crops exist to produce plants that are more resistant to these consequences. A study by Anabel Robredo, a biologist at the University of the Basque Country, sheds a different light on the impacts on agriculture.
Barley and Carbon Dioxide
Findings indicate that barley has the genetic mechanisms to adapt to changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. This in turn, helps these plants use water more efficiently.
This capacity makes sense in light of the fact that barley grows in states that face these challenges routinely. The top producing states for barley in the United States are North Dakota, Idaho and Montana. North Dakota alone produced more than 75 million bushels, more than the next two combined. The United States ranks eighth worldwide in barley production.
North Dakota is a state that experiences cold winters and hot summers. The open landscape contributes to these challenges, along with the short growing season. Its geographical location makes moisture a limiting factor. It is no surprise then that a major crop for this area can withstand the climatic conditions.
This is not to say that barley crop production would not be affected by climate change, but rather that barley has the ability to delay these effects. Plants that experience harsh, arid conditions have the ability to adapt, whereas those that exist under more stable conditions may not.
Other Climate Change Impacts
The DNA of barley may also equip it to face other challenges. It may also increases it ability to tolerant changes in salinity, another potential consequence of climate change. An increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide may help its ability to cope.
These findings may provide the impetus for a greater reliance on this whole grain. A move in this direction may lessen some of the concerns associated with genetically-modified corn, such as an increase in antibiotic resistance. In any case, the findings regarding barley’s adaptation mechanisms add more complexity to climate change and its effects.
