Science with impact

Plant and animal scientists are working together to meet the challenges of climate change. Research, to be presented at the Society for experimental Biology on 28th June will demonstrate innovative techniques and insights into ways in which science is addressing food security issues, crop yields and diminishing fish stocks.

In seven out of the past ten years supply yields of the world's four most important crops has fallen short of demand, leading to price spikes that affect animal production and the cost of most foods. It is estimated that the world will need 70% more of these crops by 2050, yet at the current and declining rate of yield improvement this target will not be met. Meeting this challenge is going to require the development of innovative strategies which make use of our unprecedented knowledge of biology. Developing new, low input, high yielding varieties of wheat, will be fundamental to meeting these 2050 goals. Genetic improvement of the yield potential of the major grain and seed crops has accounted for about half of the increase in global production of primary foodstuffs.

Climate change and its effects on (marine) ecosystems also emphasise the need for a common understanding of the climate sensitivity of organisms by physiologists and ecologists. An understanding of physiological mechanisms in an ecological context also provides benefits to the assessment of climate change impacts on living resources and associated tools for management and policy.

Provided by Society for Experimental Biology