Fiber Crop Production Practices with Changing Climate.

Predictions are that rising greenhouse gas emissions will cause average temperature to increase during this century and many areas will encounter changes in rainfall distribution that will lead to soil water deficit stress. Adaptation of fiber crop production to these stresses will likely include cultivars that are more tolerant to these stresses. Currently, emphasis in many plant improvement programs is being placed on developing genotypes with tolerance to heat and drought. Besides improved crop cultivars with traits that have more tolerance to these abiotic stresses, changes in production practices for fiber crops will also likely occur in response to changing climate. Production practices such as altered planting dates and, where available, increased use of irrigation have been suggested as ways growers will maintain production of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Soil management practices that reduce erosion, increase soil water holding capacity, and reduce evaporation losses such as the use of conservation tillage and cover crops will likely become more important for sustaining soil productivity. Higher average air temperatures may allow for increased use of double-cropping cash crops and increased choices of species for cover crops. Improved cultivars for changing climate will not only include more tolerance to heat and drought but also traits that are adapted for altered production systems.