Heatwave in Tokyo Threatens Rice Crop, Raises Concerns Over Food Security
Tokyo is experiencing a severe heatwave that poses a significant threat to the rice crop, particularly during the critical flowering stage. The year 2024 was recorded as the hottest year, with temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This extreme weather pattern is becoming more frequent, challenging global agriculture and threatening major crop yields. In Japan, popular rice cultivars have shown increased sterility when the flowering stage coincides with heat stress. The heat stress leads to sterility due to abnormal anther dehiscence and reduced pollen grain release, severely reducing crop yields. The need for effective heat adaptation strategies is emphasized to safeguard food security for the growing global population. 
