Effect of climate change conditions on radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) growth and its implications on crop production

Abstract

Climate change means a warmer and more unpredictable climate. The effect of higher temperature and more frequent extreme weather events on many areas of study is under evaluated. In this study we investigated these climate change situations and their effects on radish growth. We found that there is a reduced radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) growth in below ground structures at 26°C compared to 20°C. Also, infrequent watering also has a significant effect on below ground growth of radishes (df=44, F=9.218, p=0.00402). These results show that radishes, and potentially other root vegetables, have reduced growth when faced with certain environmental stresses, and that more research needs to be done on mitigation of climate change in agriculture.