Sorghum yields in Europe could increase under climate change models show

Phys.org reported that global warming could have an overall positive effect on sorghum yields across Europe, according to research conducted by INRAE and AgroParisTech. The finding suggests the crop could serve as a resilient substitute for traditional forage crops in livestock feed. [1][2]

The investigators evaluated sorghum performance by running computer simulations that combined historical meteorological records with future climate scenarios. Phys.org noted that sorghum requires less water than maize and tolerates higher ambient temperatures. [1]

Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns generally reduce crop yields through drought, extreme heat waves, and water scarcity. Climate change also exacerbates existing agricultural issues by lowering crop productivity, reducing the effectiveness of agrochemicals, and increasing pest pressures. [3]

The English word sorghum enters the language in the late 16th century from the genus name Sorghum, which stems from Italian and Medieval Latin words associated with Syrian grain. Although the crop originated in East Africa, its name reflects historical Mediterranean trade routes that introduced the plant to Europe. [4]