How does high heat and humidity affect crops and the growing season?

High heat significantly affects crops by causing physiological and metabolic stress, leading to reduced yields and impacting fruit quality. Extreme temperatures can disrupt photosynthesis, stunt growth, and even cause plant mortality. Additionally, high heat can exacerbate water stress, as it increases evaporation and transpiration, potentially straining water resources. 

Here's a more detailed look at the effects:   

• Stunted Growth and Reduced Yields: 

  High temperatures can hinder crop growth by affecting photosynthesis. Plants may close their stomata to conserve water, limiting their intake of carbon dioxide, which is crucial for photosynthesis. This can lead to reduced biomass and ultimately lower yields. 

  
  

• Fruit Quality Issues: 

  High heat can cause problems with fruit development, such as blossom end rot in tomatoes and pod deformity in beans. 

  
  

• Water Stress and Evaporation: 

  High temperatures increase evaporation and transpiration rates, meaning plants lose water faster than they can absorb it. This can lead to wilting, drooping leaves, and overall water stress, impacting nutrient uptake and potentially reducing yields. 

  
  

• Metabolic Disruption: 

  Temperatures above a certain threshold can cause crops to enter a state of metabolic arrest, preventing the proper translocation of nutrients and further impacting fruit development. 

  
  

• Increased Vulnerability to Pests and Diseases: 

  Heat stress can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. 

  
  

• Impact on Pollination: 

  Extreme heat can affect pollen viability and fertilization, particularly during the reproductive stage, potentially reducing crop yields. 

• Changes in Nutritional Quality: 

  High temperatures can also affect the nutritional content of crops, potentially reducing their overall quality.