Climate change expected to benefit Argentinian garlic

The effects of climate change are often considered to be detrimental, but when it comes to growing garlic in Argentina, climate change is expected to be beneficial.

 

 

 

A recent study by IANIGLA (Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales) estimates that the cultivation of garlic would benefit from climate change. Increases of between 3 and 4 °C are forecast for the summer and between 1 and 2 °C in winter for the central Andean region. Summers are expected to be rainier in growing areas, while glaciers are expected to receive less snow.

 

 

 

"As garlic is a winter crop, its growth will not be affected as much by variations in rainfall, but the harvest and post-harvest stages will be more complicated," explained José Antonio Portela, researcher at INTA La Consulta de Mendoza. Adding that garlic cultivation in the region would not be as affected by temperature fluctuations due to global warming as it will happen with summer crops.

 

 

 

Higher temperatures in the spring have positive effects, promoting the growth of garlic and leading to increased yield.

 

 

 

According to the scientists, the sector should prepare and not see climate change as an adversity, but rather as an opportunity to value Argentine garlic.