The impact of winter low temperatures on crop yields in India.

The impact of winter low temperatures on crop yields in India, especially tropical fruit crops, holds significant importance due to the potential risks and benefits involved. When temperatures plummet to extreme lows, crops such as bananas can suffer from chilling injury and choke throat, ultimately leading to diminished yields and compromised quality. It is vital to consider the differential effects of temperature on crop production across various regions. While increased temperatures can be advantageous in regions where cold limits production, the same rise in areas already prone to high temperatures can pose a threat to fruit yields and overall quality.

An illustrative example can be seen in the peninsular regions of India, where night temperatures hovering between 5-10°C trigger synchronous flowering, while the range of 10-18°C induces asynchronous flowering resembling tropical climates. Climate fluctuations may disrupt temperature patterns, resulting in unexpected changes like asynchronous flowering in the sub-tropics, thereby impacting productivity negatively.

Low temperatures also play a critical role in determining the size, appearance, and internal composition of fruits like pears and Navel oranges. Factors such as soluble solids content, total sugar content, acid levels, and water content can undergo drastic alterations in response to temperature shifts, precipitating changes in the fruit characteristics. For instance, in papayas, a combination of elevated temperatures and moisture levels can lead to augmented total soluble solids (TSS) content, highlighting the intricate relationship between environmental conditions and fruit quality.

Furthermore, emerging studies underscore the detrimental effects of air pollution on fruit crop yields, exacerbating physiological disorders such as the black tip of mangoes. Therefore, recognizing and addressing the repercussions of winter low temperatures on crop production is paramount for devising effective strategies to combat the evolving challenges induced by climate change in the agricultural landscape of India.