Impacts of Climate Change and Mitigation Strategies for Some Abiotic and Biotic Constraints Influencing Fruit Growth and Quality
Eunice Bacelar,
Teresa Pinto,
Rosário Anjos,
Maria Cristina Morais,
Ivo Oliveira,
Alice Vilela,
Fernanda Cosme
Affiliations
Eunice Bacelar
Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Teresa Pinto
Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Rosário Anjos
Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Maria Cristina Morais
Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Ivo Oliveira
Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Alice Vilela
Chemistry Research Centre–Vila Real (CQ-VR), Department of Agronomy, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Fernanda Cosme
Chemistry Research Centre–Vila Real (CQ-VR), Department of Biology and Environment, School of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Factors such as extreme temperatures, light radiation, and nutritional condition influence the physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes associated with fruit development and its quality. Besides abiotic stresses, biotic constraints can also affect fruit growth and quality. Moreover, there can be interactions between stressful conditions. However, it is challenging to predict and generalize the risks of climate change scenarios on seasonal patterns of growth, development, yield, and quality of fruit species because their responses are often highly complex and involve changes at multiple levels. Advancements in genetic editing technologies hold great potential for the agricultural sector, particularly in enhancing fruit crop traits. These improvements can be tailored to meet consumer preferences, which is crucial for commercial success. Canopy management and innovative training systems are also key factors that contribute to maximizing yield efficiency and improving fruit quality, which are essential for the competitiveness of orchards. Moreover, the creation of habitats that support pollinators is a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture, as they play a significant role in the production of many crops, including fruits. Incorporating these strategies allows fruit growers to adapt to changing climate conditions, which is increasingly important for the stability of food production. By investing in these areas, fruit growers can stay ahead of challenges and opportunities in the industry, ultimately leading to increased success and profitability. In this review, we aim to provide an updated overview of the current knowledge on this important topic. We also provide recommendations for future research.