Effects of Climate-Induced Temperature Rise on Mango and Citrus Production in Pakistan

Abstract

Climate induced increase in their temperature is a serious threat in case of fruit sector of Pakistan as well especially of mango and citrus fruits which are contributing a large share in domestic income, export income and rural livelihood. This study is concerned with the physiological, phenological and yield related effect of increasing temperature trend on the mango and citrus orchards of major fruit growing areas of south known as South Punjab, Sindh and cross-section of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Drawing on climatological datasets and current research in agriculture, it is concluded that the impact of increased temperature expedites flowering and fruit maturation, causes increasing fruit drop, increases degree of heat stress experienced and adverse impacts of pests and diseases that cause cultivators to low yields and reduced fruit quality. The outcomes show that in both aspects, mango is especially susceptible to heat-induced malformation of floral organs and sunburn of fruits, while citrus is affected by declined juice content, premature hardening of the rind, and citrus canker and greening movement. The study concludes that pathway of temperature increase is threat to long term fruit sustainability if the concept of climate smart orchard management with adaptive strategies is not urgently incorporated in the sector of horticulture in Pakistan.