Heat Tolerance Research Articles

Assessment of terminal heat tolerance ability of wheat genotypes based on chemometric analysis and agro-physiological traits

Assessment of terminal heat tolerance ability of wheat genotypes based on chemometric analysis and agro-physiological traits

Effect of different oleogelation mechanisms on physical properties and oxidative stability of macadamia oil-based oleogels and its application

In this study, macadamia oil-based oleogels were prepared with four low molecular weight oleogelators: beeswax (BW), monoglyceride stearate (MG), rice bran wax (RBW), and a mixture of γ-oryzanol and β-sitosterol (SO). The physicochemical properties of these oleogels were evaluated by polarized light microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, texture and rheological analysis. Results indicated that the van der Waals force and hydrogen bond interaction existed mainly in MG- and SO-based oleogels, while only van der Waals force interaction observed in RBW- and BW-based oleogels. SO-based oleogels presented superior hardness, oil binding ability and oxidative stability, attributed to the formation of strong polymer network structure. Additionally, all four oleogels demonstrated stable crystal structures and solid-state shear-thinning fluid behavior, with SO-based oleogels displaying higher viscosity. Meanwhile, the feasibility of oleogel as a substitute for cocoa butter (CB) was explored, found that all of oleogels proved effective substitutes for CB in chocolate preparation. The rheological parameters of the oleogel-based chocolates, except for 50%BW oleogel, fell within the range of Casson plastic viscosity and yield stress for chocolate, and exhibited excellent heat tolerance. The results provide a novel strategy for utilization of macadamia oil and the development of heat-resistant chocolate.

Evolution of avian heat tolerance: The role of atmospheric humidity.

The role of atmospheric humidity in the evolution of endotherms' thermoregulatory performance remains largely unexplored, despite the fact that elevated humidity is known to impede evaporative cooling capacity. Using a phylogenetically informed comparative framework, we tested the hypothesis that pronounced hyperthermia tolerance among birds occupying humid lowlands evolved to reduce the impact of humidity-impeded scope for evaporative heat dissipation by comparing heat tolerance limits (HTLs; maximum tolerable air temperature), maximum body temperatures (Tbmax), and associated thermoregulatory variables in humid (19.2 g H2O m-3) versus dry (1.1 g H2O m-3) air among 30 species from three climatically distinct sites (arid, mesic montane, and humid lowland). Humidity-associated decreases in evaporative water loss and resting metabolic rate were 27%-38% and 21%-27%, respectively, and did not differ significantly between sites. Decreases in HTLs were significantly larger among arid-zone (mean ± SD = 3.13 ± 1.12°C) and montane species (2.44 ± 1.0°C) compared to lowland species (1.23 ± 1.34°C), with more pronounced hyperthermia among lowland (Tbmax = 46.26 ± 0.48°C) and montane birds (Tbmax = 46.19 ± 0.92°C) compared to arid-zone species (45.23 ± 0.24°C). Our findings reveal a functional link between facultative hyperthermia and humidity-related constraints on evaporative cooling, providing novel insights into how hygric and thermal environments interact to constrain avian performance during hot weather. Moreover, the macrophysiological patterns we report provide further support for the concept of a continuum from thermal specialization to thermal generalization among endotherms, with adaptive variation in body temperature correlated with prevailing climatic conditions.

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN THE SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

The greenhouse gas emissions from Animal production related activities has turn out to be an important cause of global warming. This can be attributed to the continent-wide massive burdens arising from the switch in food consumption pattern. Anthropogenic activitiesrelated to livestock production contribute 37% of methane (CH4) emission, 9% of carbon dioxide (CO2) output and utilize 8% of the world water. An estimated aggregate of 7.1 billion tonnes of CO2 are generated by the feed and livestock industries. The effect of global warming is presently being experienced such as unstable rainfall pattern, drought, extended walk in search of pasture and water, coupled with significant impact on livestock productivity (rate of weight gainand milk production potentials).The potential of Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve sustainable animal production is being threatened by global warming, it is. therefore necessary to leverage on the use of livestock breed that combine the heat tolerance of the local stock with the high milk yield of the exotic breed (crossbreeding) to produce an improved breed of livestock. Ameliorative strategies such as strategic supplementation of diets, matching genetics to specific systems and management of manure with potential to improve productivity of livestock should be included into livestock production systems in the Sub-Sahara Africa. The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques will also assist to acquire ideal results on susceptibility of smallholder farmers. Finally, there is the need for shift in policy to promote the livelihood of indigenous livestock farmers under favourable environmental conditions.

E3 SUMO ligase SIZ1 splicing variants localize and function according to external conditions.

SIZ1 (SAP and MIZ1) is a member of the Siz/PIAS-type RING family of E3 SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) ligases that play key roles in growth, development, and stress responses in plant and animal systems. Nevertheless, splicing variants of SIZ1 have not yet been characterized. Here, we identified four splicing variants of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) SIZ1, which encode three different protein isoforms. The SIZ1 gene encodes an 873-amino acid (aa) protein. Among the four SIZ1 splicing variants (SSVs), SSV1 and SSV4 encode identical 885 aa proteins; SSV2 encodes an 832 aa protein; and SSV3 encodes an 884 aa protein. SSV2 mainly localized to the plasma membrane, whereas SIZ1, SSV1/SSV4, and SSV3 localized to the nucleus. Interestingly, SIZ1 and all SSVs exhibited similar E3 SUMO ligase activities and preferred SUMO1 and SUMO2 for their E3 ligase activity. Transcript levels of SSV2 were substantially increased by heat treatment, while those of SSV1, SSV3, and SSV4 transcripts were unaffected by various abiotic stresses. SSV2 directly interacted with and sumoylated cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 6 (CNGC6), a positive thermotolerance regulator, enhancing the stability of CNGC6. Notably, transgenic siz1-2 mutants expressing SSV2 exhibited greater heat stress tolerance than wild-type plants, whereas those expressing SIZ1 were sensitive to heat stress. Furthermore, transgenic cngc6 plants overaccumulating a mutated mCNGC6 protein (K347R, a mutation at the sumoylation site) were sensitive to heat stress, similar to the cngc6 mutants, while transgenic cngc6 plants overaccumulating CNGC6 exhibited restored heat tolerance. Together, we propose that alternative splicing is an important mechanism that regulates the function of SSVs during development or under adverse conditions, including heat stress.

Heat tolerance of several beef cattle breeds in Astomulyo Village, Lampung Tengah District

Animals' productivity and health status in tropical regions are significantly influenced by their ability to adapt to hot and humid tropical environments. This study aimed to compare the heat tolerance of the Ongole-cross (OC), Simmental-cross (SC), and Limousin-cross (LC) breeds raised in Astomulyo Village, Lampung Tengah District. This location had a high environmental stress index in the afternoon and moderate environmental stress in the morning and evening. Most cattle have a Heat Tolerance Coefficient (HTC) above 100, and there are no significant differences in HTC values among cattle breeds. The OC, SC, and LC cattle breeds exhibit good heat tolerance and can adapt to hot and humid environments in Lampung Tengah District.

Strong differences in egg heat tolerance between closely related lowland and alpine butterfly species

Abstract Temperature variation is one of the best‐known and studied factor constraining life history along the altitudinal gradients. Ectotherms such as insects are sensitive to temperature across all life stages, resulting in a wide range of adaptations in populations and species living at different elevations. In butterflies, the egg stage is particularly sensitive to temperature variation as eggs cannot move and deploy behavioural responses to overheating. Using a gradient polymerase chain reaction thermocycler to finely control temperature treatments, we tested for differences in egg heat tolerance between five closely related Coenonympha (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) species living at different elevations. We found strong differences in egg heat tolerance ranges between lowland species (C. arcania (Linnaeus) and C. pamphilus (Linnaeus)) and two high elevation alpine species (C. gardetta (Prunner) and C. cephalidarwiniana Verity). Surprisingly, the third alpine species (C. darwiniana Staudinger) showed a heat tolerance range closer to that of the lowland species than that of alpine species. The sensitivity of eggs to overheating matched the temperature regimes recorded in the microhabitats utilised for oviposition and may explain the oviposition site selection of females observed in the wild. The narrower egg heat tolerance of some of alpine species may partly explain the position of their lower elevational limit but also raises concern about the fate of these species in the face of current climate change. Our results highlight the need to study all life stages, as well as microclimate choice for oviposition, to understand species distribution and the threats to their persistence.

The effect of water activity on thermal resistance of Salmonella in chocolate products with different fat contents

Several instances of Salmonella outbreaks have been documented in association with chocolates. Conching, an important chocolate manufacturing step, may be designed for control of Salmonella if proper product temperature is maintained for sufficient time. A better understanding of thermal inactivation kinetics of Salmonella in different chocolate products is, however, highly desirable in evaluating the effectiveness of an existing conching process for Salmonella reduction or assessing the need for modification of manufacturing operations. Our previous study on milk chocolate (41.8% fat content) noted that aw and temperature are two key factors influencing Salmonella inactivation in a thermal process. In this research we studied the effect of different fat levels on Salmonella inactivation in chocolates at 80 °C. White and dark chocolates (fat content: 53.0% and 74.3%) were used in this study. The samples were conditioned to three water activity (aw) levels, 0.23, 0.33, and 0.43, at room temperature. The changes of aw in these samples were quantified when heated to 70 °C and 80 °C to reflect the real relative humidity conditions during the process. The data indicated an increase in the aw in the chocolate products, correlating with elevated temperatures. The thermal inactivation tests showed that D-values (time to achieve one log reduction at a fixed temperature) of Salmonella were between 33.9 and 46.5 min when treated at 80 °C, the corresponding aw,80 °C were 0.29 and 0.28 in white and dark chocolate samples, respectively. Our data suggests that the higher fat content contributed to a less increase in aw, leading to a higher heat tolerance of bacteria in the chocolates. The research results may offer useful insights for the chocolate manufactures to utilize conching process for the pathogen control of chocolate products made with different recipes.

Are tropical forests approaching critical temperature thresholds?

There is growing concern about the fate of tropical forests in the face of rising global temperatures. Doughty etal. (2023) suggest that an increase in air temperature beyond ∼4 °C will result in massive death of tropical forest leaves and potentially tree death. However, this prediction relies on assumptions that likely underestimate the heat tolerance of tropical leaves.

Effect of heat stress on growth, carcass and sensory parameters in synthetic broiler and native cross chicken

Poultry production in the tropics is mainly affected by environmental stressors, viz. temperature and humidity. The present investigation aimed to study the growth, carcass and meat quality of the two different genetic groups of chicken under control (spring season) and heat stress conditions (summer). During the spring season, the mean temperature of the poultry house was found to be 23.68±0.39°C, while it was 34.41±0.52°C during summer. Under both conditions, the body weights of both the genetic groups were recorded at 0, 7, 21 and 42 days of age. The carcass traits were recorded after 6 weeks of age and sensory evaluation was done by meat product preparation. The results showed no significant difference in the growth performance, carcass traits and sensory parameters of control and heat stress groups of native cross birds which might be due to better adaptability and heat tolerance potential, however, the synthetic broiler variety IBL80 was significantly affected by heat stress causing a 16.82% reduction in marketable weight as compared to the control group. According to the findings of the current study, native cross chickens had a higher capability for heat tolerance even if fast-growing synthetic broilers were superior in terms of growth performance and carcass production.

Thermal resistance of selected strains of Salmonella spp. isolated from eggs and sesame seeds

In this study, we investigated the effect of food matrices on the heat tolerance of Salmonella strains and evaluated the impact of sugar and fat on the heat resistance of these strains. We tested ten strains of Salmonella spp. isolated from eggs and ten from sesame seeds. The conducted research revealed that S. Poona 4193 and S. Oranienburg 4182, isolated from sesame seeds, exhibited the lowest average decimal reduction times (D-values) at 60 °C and 65 °C. Conversely, strains of S. Enteritidis 3927 (eggs), and S. Mbandaka 4297 (sesame seeds), demonstrated the highest D-values. In the next stage we examined the effect of different concentrations of sucrose (5%, 10%, 15%) and sesame oil (10%, 25%, 50%) on the tolerance of Salmonella to high temperatures. We then selected specific concentrations of sucrose and oil in the medium for each strain based on the highest D-value obtained. The 4297 strain exhibited the highest D-value with 5% sucrose and 10% oil, 4193 strains with 10% sucrose and 25% oil, 4182 with 10% sucrose and 10% oil, and 3927 strain with 10% sucrose, and 50% oil. Our studies indicated that the heat resistance of Salmonella is highly dependent on the specific strain.

Greater ecophysiological stress tolerance in the core environment than in extreme environments of wild chickpea (Cicer reticulatum)

Global climate change and land use change underlie a need to develop new crop breeding strategies, and crop wild relatives (CWR) have become an important potential source of new genetic material to improve breeding efforts. Many recent approaches assume adaptive trait variation increases towards the relative environmental extremes of a species range, potentially missing valuable trait variation in more moderate or typical climates. Here, we leveraged distinct genotypes of wild chickpea (Cicer reticulatum) that differ in their relative climates from moderate to more extreme and perform targeted assessments of drought and heat tolerance. We found significance variation in ecophysiological function and stress tolerance between genotypes but contrary to expectations and current paradigms, it was individuals from more moderate climates that exhibited greater capacity for stress tolerance than individuals from warmer and drier climates. These results indicate that wild germplasm collection efforts to identify adaptive variation should include the full range of environmental conditions and habitats instead of only environmental extremes, and that doing so may significantly enhance the success of breeding programs broadly.

Natural variation of STKc_GSK3 kinase TaSG-D1 contributes to heat stress tolerance in Indian dwarf wheat

Heat stress threatens global wheat (Triticum aestivum) production, causing dramatic yield losses worldwide. Identifying heat tolerance genes and comprehending molecular mechanisms are essential. Here, we identify a heat tolerance gene, TaSG-D1E286K, in Indian dwarf wheat (Triticum sphaerococcum), which encodes an STKc_GSK3 kinase. TaSG-D1E286K improves heat tolerance compared to TaSG-D1 by enhancing phosphorylation and stability of downstream target TaPIF4 under heat stress condition. Additionally, we reveal evolutionary footprints of TaPIF4 during wheat selective breeding in China, that is, InDels predominantly occur in the TaPIF4 promoter of Chinese modern wheat cultivars and result in decreased expression level of TaPIF4 in response to heat stress. These sequence variations with negative effect on heat tolerance are mainly introduced from European germplasm. Our study provides insight into heat stress response mechanisms and proposes a potential strategy to improve wheat heat tolerance in future.

Female thermal sensitivity and behaviour across the lifespan: A unique journey.

Women are a group of individuals that undergo unique anatomical, physiological and hormonal changes across the lifespan. For example, consider the impact of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause, all of which are accompanied by both short- and long-term effects on female body morphology (e.g., changes in breast size) and temperature regulation, heat tolerance, thermal sensitivity and comfort. However, empirical evidence on how skin thermal and wetness sensitivity might change across the lifespan of women, and the implications that this has for female-specific thermal behaviours, continues to be lacking. This paper is based on a symposium presentation given at Physiology 2023 in Harrogate, UK. It aims to review new evidence on anatomical and physiological mechanisms underpinning differences in skin thermal and wetness sensitivity amongst women varying in breast size and age, in addition to their role in driving female thermal behaviours. It is hoped that this brief overview will stimulate the development of testable hypotheses to increase our understanding of the behavioural thermal physiology of women across the lifespan and at a time of climate change.

Geographic distribution of a missense mutation in the KRT38 gene in Chinese indigenous cattle breeds

Context China has a vast area across many temperature zones and a variety of cattle breeds. These cattle resources are ideal models to research their adaptability to the environment. The KRT38 gene is an acidic protein, and its coding product can be used as a component of hair production. Aims The objective of this study was to investigate the diversity of the KRT38 gene in Chinese local cattle and the association of different genotypes with mean temperature, relative humidity and temperature humidity index. Methods A missense mutation g.41650738 A > G in the KRT38 gene was screened from the database of bovine genomic variation (BGVD) and was genotyped in a total of 246 samples from 15 local cattle breeds in China by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing. Finally, the correlation between the locus and the three climatic factors was analysed. Key results We successfully obtained the frequency of this single-nucelotide polymorphism in three groups of cattle in northern, central and southern China. The frequency of allele A gradually declined from north to south, whereas the frequency of allele G showed the opposite trend with a clear geographic distribution. Conclusions Our results indicate that KRT38 variation in Chinese indigenous cattle might be linked to heat tolerance. Implications Our analysis may assist in determining the importance of the variation as a genetic signal for heat tolerance in cattle reproduction and genetics.

The microbiome dynamics and interaction of endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae and fungi are associated with thermal bleaching susceptibility of coral holobionts.

The thermal bleaching percentage of coral holobionts shows interspecific differences under heat-stress conditions, which are closely related to the coral-associated microbiome. However, the ecological effects of community dynamics and interactions between Symbiodiniaceae and fungi on coral thermal bleaching susceptibility remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed the diversity, community structure, functions, and potential interaction of Symbiodiniaceae and fungi among 18 coral species from a high thermal bleaching risk atoll using next-generation sequencing. The results showed that heat-tolerant C3u sub-clade and Durusdinium dominated the Symbiodiniaceae community of corals and that there were no core amplicon sequence variants in the coral-associated fungal community. Fungal richness and the abundance of confirmed functional animal-plant pathogens were significantly positively correlated with the coral thermal bleaching percentage. Fungal indicators, including Didymellaceae, Chaetomiaceae, Schizophyllum, and Colletotrichum, were identified in corals. Each coral species had a complex Symbiodiniaceae-fungi interaction network (SFIN), which was driven by the dominant Symbiodiniaceae sub-clades. The SFINs of coral holobionts with low thermal bleaching susceptibility exhibited low complexity and high betweenness centrality. These results indicate that the extra heat tolerance of coral in Huangyan Island may be linked to the high abundance of heat-tolerant Symbiodiniaceae. Fungal communities have high interspecific flexibility, and the increase of fungal diversity and pathogen abundance was correlated with higher thermal bleaching susceptibility of corals. Moreover, fungal indicators were associated with the degrees of coral thermal bleaching susceptibility, including both high and intermediate levels. The topological properties of SFINs suggest that heat-tolerant coral have limited fungal parasitism and strong microbial network resilience.IMPORTANCEGlobal warming and enhanced marine heatwaves have led to a rapid decline in coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Several studies have focused on the impact of coral-associated microbiomes on thermal bleaching susceptibility in corals; however, the ecological functions and interactions between Symbiodiniaceae and fungi remain unclear. We investigated the microbiome dynamics and potential interactions of Symbiodiniaceae and fungi among 18 coral species in Huangyan Island. Our study found that the Symbiodiniaceae community of corals was mainly composed of heat-tolerant C3u sub-clade and Durusdinium. The increase in fungal diversity and pathogen abundance has close associations with higher coral thermal bleaching susceptibility. We first constructed an interaction network between Symbiodiniaceae and fungi in corals, which indicated that restricting fungal parasitism and strong interaction network resilience would promote heat acclimatization of corals. Accordingly, this study provides insights into the role of microorganisms and their interaction as drivers of interspecific differences in coral thermal bleaching.

Individual variation in heat tolerance and metabolism in marine Antarctic organisms

Climate change is one of the main concerns to Antarctic biodiversity. Since temperature plays a crucial role in various biological traits, it is key to understand how warming may affect organisms specialized to live in the cold habitats. Although heat tolerance of several polar species is known, little emphasis has been given to individual variation and its relationship with other biological traits such as metabolic performance. In this study, we investigated the association between thermal sensitivity in metabolism (Q10) and heat tolerance (z) in six Antarctic marine organisms, including two fish species (Harpagifer antarcticus and Notothenia coriiceps), three crustaceans (Bovallia gigantea, Glyptonotus antarcticus, and Paraceradocus miersi), and one mollusk (Trophon nucelliformis). For this, we measured routine metabolic rates (RMR, mg O2/h) followed by heat tolerance measurements to reconstruct dose-response curves employing sublethal assays or thermal-collapse time (TCT) curves. Analyses reveal a negative relationship between the intercept and the slope of the temperature tolerance curves (CTmax and z values, respectively) against Q10, but only when T. nucelliformis was included in the generalized linear model. Therefore Q10 may be a good predictor of heat tolerance, but it is not true for chordate or arthropod species studied. Additionally, CTmax and z values exhibited a positive relationship consistent with previous studies. This study represents the first example of temperature tolerance curves quantified on an individual basis, and the analyses provide some evidence that thermal sensitivity in metabolism and heat tolerance are correlated. In future studies, it will be crucial to determine whether this relationship is robust and how it may impact the response of different lineages to accelerated warming.

Living in a dynamic environment: The effects of multi-ways temperature variation on embryo and newborn juveniles of a shallow-water octopus (Amphioctopus fangsiao)

Shallow waters are characterized by fluctuating environmental conditions, modulating marine life cycles and biological phenomena. Multiple variations in water temperature could affect eggs and embryos during spawning events of many marine invertebrate species, yet most of the findings on embryonic development in invertebrates come from experiments based on the constant temperature. In this study, to examine the effects of temperature variation on octopus embryos, Amphioctopus fangsiao, a common shallow-water octopus along the coast of China, was exposed to the constant temperature (18 °C, in situ temperature of the seawater in Lianyungang), ramping temperatures (from 18 to 24 °C), diel oscillating temperatures (18 °C and 20 °C for 12 h each day), and acute increasing temperatures (the temperature increased sharply from 18 °C to 24 °C at embryonic development stage XIX) for 47 days (from embryogenesis to settlement). The results demonstrated that the temperature variations accelerated the development time of A. fangsiao embryos. Temperature fluctuations could cause embryonic oxidative damage and disorder of glycolipid metabolism, thereby affecting the growth performance of embryos and the survival rate of hatchings. Through transcriptome sequencing, the mechanistic adaption of the embryo to environmental temperature variations was revealed. The pathways involved in the TCA cycle, DNA replication and repair, protein synthesis, cell signaling, and nervous system damage repair were significantly enriched, indicating that the embryo could improve heat tolerance to thermal stress by regulating gene expression. Moreover, acute warming temperatures posed the most detrimental effects on A. fangsiao embryos, which could cause embryos to hatch prematurely from the vegetal pole, further reducing the survival of hatchings. Meanwhile, the diel oscillating temperature was observed to affect the normal morphology of the embryo, resulting in embryo deformities. Thus, the constant temperature is critical for balanced growth and defense status in octopuses by maintaining metabolism homeostasis. For the first time, this study evaluates the effects of multiple temperature fluctuations on embryos of A. fangsiao, providing new insights into the physiological changes and molecular responses of cephalopod embryos following dynamic temperature stress.

Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the different heat tolerance of the scleractinian coral Pavona decussata

Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the different heat tolerance of the scleractinian coral Pavona decussata

Enhancing Cowpea Tolerance to Elevated Temperature: Achievements, Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its ability to thrive in high-temperature environments, cowpea productivity can be hampered by heat stress, particularly when night air temperatures exceed 17 °C. The crop’s germplasm pool potentially possesses significant genetic variability that can be harnessed to breed for heat-tolerant varieties. Progress in improving the crop for heat tolerance has been limited, especially under the hot, short-day environments typical of sub-Saharan Africa. Only a few heat-tolerant varieties have been released, partly due to the limited understanding of heat stress tolerance mechanisms and environmental interaction effects on genotypes, as well as imprecise phenotyping. This review contributes to the literature on cowpea heat stress by highlighting key achievements, challenges, and future directions in breeding heat-tolerant cowpea genotypes and by providing additional information from the recent literature. We opine that the genetic variability for heat tolerance-related traits in cowpea has not been sufficiently exploited in developing varieties adapted to the target production environments. Therefore, attention should be given to assessing the crop’s genetic repository by targeting adaptive, morphological, and physiological traits that enhance heat stress tolerance. We propose that breeding programs integrate phenotyping of whole-plant physiological traits and molecular breeding to identify breeder-friendly markers for routine selection. This should be followed by introgression of the heat-tolerant favourable alleles to adapted susceptible varieties using rapid and precise approaches that take advantage of modern genetic and genomic resources such as innovative genetic resources, genomic selection, speed breeding, and genome editing technologies. These tools hold great promise in fast-tracking the development of improved heat-tolerant varieties and incorporating the must-have traits preferred by cowpea farmers and consumers. In view of the likely increase in atmospheric temperature to be occasioned by climate change, there is an urgent need to develop heat-tolerant cowpea varieties to ensure the sustainability of current and future cropping and agri-food systems.