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Food supply

Rising Temperatures Threaten Rice Production in Malaysia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research by the University of Malaya has shown that rising temperatures from climate change are having a significant impact on rice production in Malaysia. The study, funded by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia, and the Long-term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS), investigated the effects of elevated temperatures on the growth, physiological traits, and yield-related traits of four Malaysian rice varieties. The findings suggest that the varieties, Sempadan 303 (S303), Sebernas 307 (S307), UKMRC02 (RC02), and UKMC09 (RC09), show varying levels of adaptation to elevated temperatures, with MR219 and S303 demonstrating strong adaptation due to better stress-coping mechanisms.

Key Takeaways:

  • Elevated temperatures of 35°C (T35) and 36°C (T36) significantly impact the growth and yield-related traits of Malaysian rice varieties.
  • Plant height, leaf area index, and grain to leaf area ratio were positively correlated with stomatal conductance in some varieties.
  • Relative chlorophyll content was higher in T36 for MR219 and S303, indicating adaptation to elevated temperature.
  • Harvest index was higher in T36 across all varieties, except RC02, which had a lower FG.
  • MR219 and RC09 showed no significant difference in Mg, Al, and Si, although they had lower P and K in T36.
  • Ca was higher in T36 for all varieties except MR219.

Statistics:

  • The study was conducted on four Malaysian rice varieties: Sempadan 303 (S303), Sebernas 307 (S307), UKMRC02 (RC02), and UKMC09 (RC09).
  • The elevated temperatures used in the study were 35°C (T35) and 36°C (T36).
  • Plant height (PH) showed significant differences among varieties in response to elevation temperature.
  • Leaf area index (LAI) correlated positively with plant height (PH) and stomatal conductance in some varieties.
  • 100-filled grain weight (100GW) was significantly higher in T36 for MR219 and S303.
  • Grain to leaf area ratio (GToLAI) was affected by elevated temperature in some varieties.

Sources:

  • Sains Malaysiana. 2025;54(5):1305-1318. "Effect of Elevated Temperature On the Growth, Physiological, and Yield-related Traits of Commercial Rice In Malaysia."
  • University of Malaya. Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
  • Ministry of Education, Malaysia, Long-term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS).

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