The agricultural landscape is increasingly defined by volatility, particularly from abiotic stresses like hail and extreme heat. In Canada’s “hail alley” of Alberta, research led by Jonathan Neilson and his team at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre is providing much-needed clarity. Their findings confirm that the timing of a stress event is the primary determinant of damage. A hailstorm prior to tuber set causes minimal long-term yield loss, as the plant can regenerate its canopy. However, the same storm during the critical tuber bulking phase (typically July-August in the region) is catastrophic, directly impacting tuber size, causing deformities like “double sets,” and severely compromising processing quality. This is exacerbated by the fact that over 80% of potatoes in major Canadian growing regions like Alberta and Manitoba are destined for processing into french fries and chips, where uniform size and specific gravity are non-negotiable.
The threat is not limited to hail. Neilson’s concurrent research on heat domes reveals parallel, and perhaps more insidious, consequences. Prolonged heat stress, particularly later in the season, disrupts the plant’s carbon allocation, shifting resources from starch to sugars. This leads to irreversible quality defects like uneven fry colour, a primary cause of downgrading. Furthermore, this stress compromises seed tuber dormancy, a finding with profound implications for the entire seed system. Tubers entering storage with premature sprouting pose a significant challenge to seed viability and performance the following season, a problem that compounds losses beyond a single harvest. This aligns with broader climate data; a 2023 report from the Canadian Climate Institute noted that the Prairie provinces are experiencing a faster rate of warming than the national average, with an increase in the frequency and duration of heatwaves.
In response, the team is moving beyond observation to actionable solutions. The cornerstone of their work is a practical risk-assessment tool, currently in a spreadsheet format. By inputting the crop’s developmental stage and the severity of the event, a grower can receive an estimated loss projection for both yield and key quality metrics. Perhaps even more promising is the research into biostimulants. Preliminary controlled trials indicate that pre-emptive application of certain compounds can prime plant defenses, mitigating yield and size losses following a simulated hailstorm. This proactive approach represents a paradigm shift from reactive damage control to strategic resilience planning.
The research from Lethbridge marks a significant step towards climate-resilient potato production. By quantifying the financial and qualitative impacts of hail and heat with stage-specific precision, it empowers growers and agronomists to make informed decisions. The development of a predictive tool, combined with the potential of biostimulants to buffer against stress, moves the industry from vulnerability to preparedness. For a sector facing an increasingly volatile climate, this work is not just academic; it is an essential component of future risk management and economic sustainability. The success of these tools, however, hinges on widespread adoption and feedback from the farming community, turning raw data into a shared defense against the elements.
