Different flowering strategy likely responsible for higher heat stress susceptibility in C3 cereals compared to legumes

Abstract

Abstract Global food sources focus on key crops from two crop families: cereals and legumes. Crop yield declines with heat stress, which is projected to increase in intensity and duration with global climate change. We compiled 67 studies ranging in heat intensity and duration and analyzed the combined effect of these factors on crop performance and yield in legumes and C3 cereals. We show that photosynthesis in legumes is more sensitive to heat intensity. The yield of cereals and legumes responds similarly to heat intensity, but the synergy between heat intensity and duration drives a greater decrease in the yield of cereals than that of legumes. As this result contrasts with photosynthetic rates, we suggest that prominent yield reduction in cereals stems from their short-term, synchronous flowering strategy. Hence, due to their extended flowering period, legumes would likely be more resistant to climate change and would therefore become more important food sources. # Address correspondence to: itay.h.cohen@gmail.com