Çukurova University researchers develop climate-resilient crop varieties

Researchers in Turkey are developing new seed varieties designed to withstand drought and disease caused by climate change. Led by Çukurova University and supported by TÜBİTAK, the project focuses on creating resilient varieties of strawberries, citrus fruits, wheat, and peppers.

The initiative is part of the Sustainable Agriculture Technologies Platform (S-ATP), established in 2023 to align Turkish agricultural production with global climate shifts. The project involves a collaboration between Çukurova University, Kilis University, the Adana Biological Control Research Institute, and the Mersin Alata Horticultural Research Institute.

With approximately 18 million lira in funding from TÜBİTAK, the project includes international academic participation from countries including Uzbekistan, Egypt, South Africa, Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Spain, and Morocco. Researchers are using laboratory developments and greenhouse trials to identify the most resilient plant types to combat rising temperatures, soil salinity, and changing pest populations.