Climate change and higher temperatures could lead to a significant reduction in strawberry yields, potentially up to 40 percent for every 3°F (1.7°C) increase in temperature, according to a study by researchers from the University of Waterloo published in the journal Sustainability.
The study used a model correlating air temperature anomalies with crop size to predict losses, emphasizing the need for sustainable farming practices like shade structures and optimized irrigation to cope with global warming and maintain a stable food supply.
As a crop, strawberries' market value exceeds US$3 billion in the U.S. Canada imported strawberries from California worth US$322.8 million in 2022. Reduced yields could lead to reduced availability and higher prices for consumers.
The UC Eclipse strawberry variety is resistant to Fusarium Wilt, a fungal disease that can affect strawberry yields.
Sources: NBC Right Now, Knowridge, Study Finds, AZoCleantech, New Food Magazine, CityNews Kitchener, Scienmag, Mirage News
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
