Abiotic stresses impact on major cereals and adaptation options - A review

The production of major field crops, namely, rice, wheat, and maize, is highly vulnerable to climatic factors and abiotic stresses. In the present era of climate change, abiotic factors emerged as limiting concerns for flourishing the growth and yield. Among the abiotic factors, temperature, soil moisture, salinity, elevated carbon dioxide levels and solar radiation are the prime concerns for affecting the productivity of major cereals. To combat with the situation, it is necessary to understand the adverse impacts of the abiotic factors on crops with special reference to major cereals. However, adaptation potions are much more important to ensure the agricultural sustainability of major cereals. The available literature reviewed suggested some adaptation options for major cereals to combat the ill effects of abiotic stresses which include the change in variety and crop, manipulation in sowing or transplanting time, adoption of proper nutrient and water management, water conservation measures, adoption of the appropriate crop establishment methods and suitable cropping system. Further, the review article has made some recommendations and future perspectives highlighting the scope of further research for a climate-resilient production of foods for the future considering the adverse effects of the climate change.