Objective 2: Project Climate Change

Once a model has been developed and verified for California, temperature projections for California under different emission scenarios for mid- and end-of-century conditions will be plugged into the model.

By projecting the amount of winter chilling and spring heat that will be available in the future, and accurately modeling the requirements of current cultivars, we will be able to project which cultivars are most suitable for cultivation for what areas in the future. These projections will also enable breeders to set more appropriate targets for these traits.

Anticipating these conditons and planning and adapting our crops and practices will help maintain productivity under warmer future conditions.