Impact of increased temperature and water deficit in future climate simulation on the physiological and productive performance of two tropical forage species

Abstract

As a result of climate change caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are expected increase in temperature and more frequent extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and more intense heat waves. Although it is well recognized that tropical pasture has a potential for high productivity, the impact of climate change on the performance of pasture has not been studied critically. The proposed research is designed to study the effects of water stress and temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius compared to the control on the physiology and biomass of two forage species a C4 grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) And C3 legumes (Stylosanthes capitata Vogel). The future climate simulation of global warming will be held in a system called T-FACE (Temperature - Free air controlled enhancement), installed on the USP campus in Ribeirão Preto, where the temperature levels are adjusted automatically using a set of ceramic infrared heaters. The hypothesis of the proposal is that exposure of plants to heating under adequate availability of water and nutrients could increase the growth and production of plants, but the responses of plants will be modified by water deficit affecting severely the physiology and productivity of forages. This project is linked to the project in progress and funded by CNPq (Process 446357 / 2015-4): "Impact of heat and drought stress at the molecular performance, biochemical, physiological, productive and reproductive two tropical forage species" under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Carlos Alberto Martinez y Huaman.