Climate Change, a Challenge for Cool Season Grain Legume Crop Production

Abstract

Dry pea, chickpea, broad bean, lentil, lupines, grass pea and common vetch are the major cool season grain legume crops produced worldwide, the first four of which are primarily for human consumption. These crops are grown and utilized in over 100 countries, across all continents except Antarctica. In particular, dry pea, chickpea and lentil are a major protein source in the diet of the populations of South Asia. In relation to this, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are major producers and importers of these crops, with Canada, France, the USA, Australia and Turkey the major export countries. It is estimated that the population of South Asia will increase by 700 million people by 2035 and demand for cool season grain legumes will increase by 30% during this period. Climate models predict increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, increasing global temperatures, modified rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events over the next 100 years. Overall, these climate changes are predicted to result in increased yields in developed countries at mid and high-mid-latitudes (e.g. Canada, the USA and France) but decreased yields in developing countries in the tropics and sub-tropics (e.g. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ethiopia). The negative effects of climate change on cool season grain legume production in these latter countries can be mediated by adaptation strategies, such as crop relocation, changes in sowing date, development of stress tolerant varieties and increased nutrient and plant protection inputs. For any remaining production deficit, developed countries such as Canada, the USA and France, have established growing and export infrastructures for these crops, and could increase outputs in response to increased demand. This book assesses the changes expected to occur in the production, sustainability and trade of cool season grain legume crops under future climate and socio-economic conditions.