Presenter: Toyin Adekanmbi

Thesis title: "Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on the Potato Yield of Prince Edward Island"

Abstract: Potatoes are a significant staple crop contributing to food security and the economy of Prince Edward Island (PEI). Due to the recent state of potato production in PEI, it has become crucial for farmers and decision-makers to understand how climate change will affect potato cultivation activities to strategize adaptation measures. A crop simulation model was used to assess potential potato yields under the CMIP6 scenarios generated from seven GCMs, using one historical period as the baseline with three future periods. The combined effect of changing temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric CO2 concentration was considered. The results showed a potential decline in potato yields of PEI under the current farming practices. Specifically, potato yields will decline by 6% to 80% between the 2050s and the 2090s, which will be significant under high-emission scenarios. The study can serve as a scientific basis for developing adaptation strategies for sustainable potato cultivation in PEI. 

Friday, April 28, 2023, 9:30 am via web conference

If you wish to attend the public presentation, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca to receive the link.

Everyone is welcome.