Heat stress and drought: how to protect crops during high temperatures

In recent years, the Extreme weather events They are becoming increasingly frequent. High temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, and periods of drought are putting crops under severe strain, causing slower growth, reduced yields, and a decline in the quality of produce.

To address these conditions, it is fundamental to help plants maintain their physiological balance and manage environmental stress more efficiently.

What happens to plants when they are under heat stress?

When temperatures exceed certain levels, the plant activates a series of defence mechanisms to limit damage. At this stage, water loss through transpiration increases and it reduces photosynthetic efficiency.

The most common symptoms of heat and water stress include:

• leaf fall;
• a slowdown in vegetative growth;
• reduced bunch set;
• minor fruit development;
• drop in productivity;
• greater sensitivity to other stress factors.

Vegetable, fruit and vine crops are particularly vulnerable during the flowering and fruit-development stages.

Why is glycine betaine important?

Among the most studied natural substances to counteract abiotic stress are glycine-betaine, a molecule that plays an important role in cellular osmoregulation.

glycine betaine helps plant cells to maintain their proper water balance even under difficult conditions, helping to protect cell membranes, enzymes and essential metabolic processes.

Thanks to its effects, the plant is better able to tolerate:

• high temperatures;
• water shortage;
• strong solar radiation;
• sudden changes in the weather.

How to improve crop resilience

managing heat stress cannot rely solely on irrigation. It is necessary to adopt a integrated strategy which includes:

• proper water management;
• the constant monitoring of climatic conditions;
• a balanced diet;
• the use of specific products capable of supporting plant metabolism.

Taking action before stress reaches critical levels helps to preserve the crop’s yield potential and limit financial losses.

BETA: support for crops under stress

To help plants cope with heat and drought conditions, we have developed BETA, a solution formulated to support the plant’s physiological processes during periods of heightened environmental stress.

Thanks to the presence of glycine betaine, BETA It helps to promote cellular water balance and to increase the crop’s ability to respond to abiotic stresses caused by high temperatures and water shortage.

The use of the product can provide valuable support in agronomic strategies aimed at improving crop resilience and preserving their productive potential.

Heat and drought stress is one of the main challenges facing the’modern agriculture. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate plant responses and adopting appropriate tools can reduce the impact of extreme weather events.

Investing in crop prevention and physiological support means safeguarding yields, quality and farm profitability, even in the most challenging seasons.