UK rapeseed growers are losing up to a quarter of their crop yield each year because of temperature rises during an early-winter weather window.
UK rapeseed growers are losing up to a quarter of their crop yield each year because of temperature rises during an early-winter weather window.
This figure emerged in new research by the John Innes Centre which identifies a critical period from late November to the Winter Solstice, December 21 or 22, where temperature has a strong link to yields.
The research, which appears in the journal Scientific Reports reveals that a mere one-degree temperature rise in this volatile weather period costs UK rapeseed growers £16m in lost income six months down the line when the crop is harvested.
Based on analysis of climate and yield data, the team calculate that temperature variation during this critical time window can lead to losses of up to £160 million in the UK rapeseed harvest – about 25% of the total value.
Read more at John Innes Centre
Image: UK rapeseed growers -- losses linked to temperature rises in early winter weather window. (Credit: Phil Robinson)
