Simulating Effects of Global Warming Temperatures on Ipomoea Aquatica (Kangkong)

Abstract

Global warming is a threat to plants. A warming of 1.5 – 2℃ in the tropics is predicted to cause crop yield reductions in Southeast Asia and increase the risks for both heat waves and flooding. It is predicted that by around the mid-century period (2040 - 2069), the mean temperature in Singapore can increase by 2oC to 29.6℃ in a Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario. This temperature change can impact food crops and heat-vulnerable plants, threatening our food supply and increasing the risk of extinction of vulnerable plant species. Ipomoea Aquatica, also known as the Kangkong, is a heat-tolerant tropical vegetable in Southeast Asia and used in local dishes. To study whether this plant can grow well in global warming temperatures, we exposed the Kangkong to the predicted increase of 2℃ for three weeks. A range of climate variables was recorded through the use of Arduino sensors and physical changes to the Kangkong plants such as the heights of the Kangkong in each set-up were also measured. By the 17th day, the Kangkong in the control set-up overtook the one in the increased temperature set-up in height.