Extreme Weather Impacts on Maize Yields: The Role of Vapor Pressure Deficit

Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, can have a significant impact on global crop yields, food security, and farmer livelihoods. Studies have shown that the combination of high temperatures and moisture extremes can be particularly harmful to crop yields. However, the effects of these stressors on maize development and future yields remain unclear. One key factor that contributes to moisture stress is the vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which measures the amount of moisture in the air and its capacity to hold moisture when it is saturated. Extreme temperatures can damage crop tissue and reduce yield capacity, but they can also exacerbate moisture stress by increasing VPD levels. Understanding the interactions between these stressors is crucial for predicting and mitigating the effects of extreme weather events on crop yields and food security.