Response of cultivated plants and some preventive measures against climate change

• Published in: International journal of agriculture and biology Vol. 13; no. 2; pp. 292 - 296
• Main Author: Ulukan, H. (University of Ankara (Turkey). Dept. of Field Crops)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2011
• Subjects: CEREALS; CLIMATIC CHANGE; CULTIVATION; GRASSES; GREENHOUSE EFFECT; PLANT ANATOMY; PLANT MORPHOLOGY; PRODUCTIVITY; VEGETABLE CROPS
• ISSN: 1560-8530; 1814-9596

World previously underwent four major disasters and another disaster is expected due to rapidly occurring climate change. The majority of rays of light, which reach the ground from the sun in (6-8 min) cause greenhouse effect and increase the earth temperature since they are not reflected back. With climate change, polar ice-caps melt and flow into the ocean, the level of the sea raises, fresh water reserves are decreasing (due to the increase of salt water) and ecosystem components, which are essential for life and biological diversity are eroding. The organisms are forced to migrate to regions, which are lowly affected by climate changing. The resulting species and habitat shifts result in some organisms (Tarantula spp., Castanea spp., Malus floribunda, etc.) whose natural habitat is humid regions, such as tropical and coastal regions, can be encountered in temperate and inland regions (e.g., Turkey). Many great and famous lakes and wetlands disappeared (e.g., Aral, Salda, Meke Lakes) and snow and ice on many mountains has melted (e.g., Mount of Kilimanjaro, Ilgaz Mountains, etc.) in the world. Similarly, the effects of climate change on cultivated plants (C3, C4, CAM) are dramatic and this issue has been examined physiologically and agronomical. It is suggested that concerned institutions should immediately develop necessary plans, programs and collaborative mechanisms to combat climate change effects.