GO CLIMSOSTRIGO identifies wheat varieties tolerant to drought and high temperatures

Climate change is profoundly transforming growing conditions in Spain's main cereal-growing regions. According to the project report, Mediterranean regions are facing more frequent droughts, increasingly irregular rainfall, and ever-higher temperatures—factors that are already reducing soft wheat yields . In this context, the GO CLIMSOSTRIGO project focuses on a key objective: identifying and recommending varieties capable of withstanding water and heat stress without sacrificing productivity .

The document indicates that, globally, high temperatures account for 60% of yield losses and drought for 40%, while in Spain wheat is mostly rainfed, which increases the crop's vulnerability to prolonged periods of water stress. Furthermore, heat waves during heading and grain filling directly affect the size and quality of the final yield. The report also notes that currently available varieties are not always adapted to the new temperature and rainfall patterns, making it urgent to move towards more resilient genetic materials.

To address these challenges, Climsostrigo is developing an innovative program based on a network of trials distributed throughout Spain, in which ten winter and ten spring varieties will be evaluated in multiple agroclimatic environments . Among the key methodologies described in the document is the calculation of the aridity index (DI), through the analysis of soil water balance, rainfall, evapotranspiration, and critical crop phases, such as the sowing-heading and heading-maturity periods. This information will allow researchers to determine which varieties best maintain their yield under drought conditions. In addition, the project includes the evaluation of heat tolerance by analyzing the number of days with high temperatures between heading and maturity, and the relationship between heat stress and yield. The expected outcome is the production of an official report identifying the most heat-tolerant varieties.

The Climsostrigo trials are being conducted at twelve locations across eight autonomous communities , allowing researchers to identify which varieties perform best in warm southern areas, temperate and cold central and northern regions, and humid northern and pre-coastal Mediterranean areas. According to the project report, this information will help maintain yields in extreme weather conditions, reduce economic losses associated with drought or heat, enable the selection of specific varieties for each area, improve food security, and decrease dependence on imports. Furthermore, the project's results will be shared with the government to improve the criteria for registering new varieties under VSCU sustainability standards.