April 29, 2025 | The Horticulture Journal |
Researchers from the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Japan, conducted a review on the impact of climate change on fruit tree production and the corresponding adaptation strategies. Fruit tree yield and quality are closely linked to meteorological conditions, making them sensitive to climate-related changes such as temperature shifts, solar radiation, and water availability.
The review discusses how temperature regulates developmental stages in fruit trees through developmental rate control. Extreme temperatures can lead to physical damage, including tissue necrosis from heat or frost. Solar radiation and soil moisture influence photosynthesis, which affects the growth and size of the plant and fruit. Rising temperatures and increased water stress have been shown to alter phenology, resulting in earlier flowering, delayed fruit coloration, and quality deterioration. Additional effects include disorders in peel and flesh, delayed dormancy release, and increased risks of sunburn and freezing injuries.
To address these challenges, the review outlines adaptation strategies in three stages. Stage 1 includes short-term practices such as shading, greenhouse use, growth regulators, and fertilizer management. Stage 2 involves the adoption of climate-adapted cultivars, requiring medium-term investment. Stage 3 focuses on long-term strategies like species replacement and relocation of cultivation areas, supported by predictive mapping of future suitable zones. These measures aim to sustain fruit production under changing climatic conditions.
