Maine researchers are in the testing phase of cross-pollinating potatoes in the hopes of creating a heat-resistant variety.
Even so, experts say that this is a very long process that typically takes years to accomplish, as well as years to officially release. “It’s a different process than what it would take to genetically modify a potato, and longer too,” One Green Planet wrote.
Maine’s ability to produce potato harvests is under a growing threat as climate change has affected the growth of potatoes, making their quality go down, and the crop numbers drop dramatically.
Small changes such as hotter weather, longer seasons, and more rain have all impacted the world’s crops. Potatoes, though a hearty vegetable, cannot withstand these factors altogether. They particularly do not do well in wet, and very wet conditions.
Maine has also experienced a growing issue with pests that have flourished under the changes from climate change, creating yet another risk to potato farmers and more need for a climate-resistant potato variety.
