Impact of Climate Change on Vegetable Production and Management Strategies

Abstract

Vegetables are an important component of human nutrition that encompasses great species diversity and are very sensitive to unpredictable climatic changes. In recent decades, there has been an increase in the frequency of events like drought, flooding, high-temperature, low temperature, salinity and changes of atmospheric CO2 or ozone level which considerably affect morphological, physiological and biochemical changes in the plants. The occurrences of these types of abiotic stresses lead to membrane damage, oxidative burst, reduction of chlorophyll content and photosynthesis rate which ultimately affect the yield and quality of vegetable crops. The adoption of appropriate crop management practices and climate-resilient cultivars would help immensely in dealing with the adverse impacts of abiotic stresses. Alteration in planting dates, advanced irrigation technology, moisture-saving methods, use of plant growth regulators, use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, grafting technology, use of climate resilient cultivars and protected cultivation-like management practices can reduce the impact and intensity of abiotic stress enhance the production as well. Overall in this review, we have summarized the adverse effects of abiotic stresses that are induced by climate change and management strategies that enable to overcome the ill effects and sustain the production of vegetable crops.