Effects of climate change on annual crops: the case of maize production in Africa

Climate change (in particular increased temperatures and drought) is acutely related to food security of humans, which strongly depends on the growth of the annual grasses maize, wheat, and rice; maize is the species with highest world production. It is predicted that climate change will decrease the production of annual crops, especially maize, leading to increased food insecurity in Africa, Latin American, and parts of Asia. This chapter evaluates the effects of climate change on regeneration of maize from seeds. In general, increased temperatures and drought have negative effects on maize seed germination, plant growth, gamete formation, pollination, fertilization, and seed formation and filling. Predicted changes in maize production in Africa due to climate change and possible strategies to help mitigate these negative effects are discussed. The detailed information available on the effects of climate change on the life history stages of maize provide insight on how wild plant species could (may) be affected by climate change.