Phenological Responses of Wheat (<i>Triticum Aestivum</i> L.) Crop to Climate Variability and Change: Review

Phenological data plays a vital role in crop management and decision-making processes that influence the global food system. This systematic review aims to explore how wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) phenology responds to variations in temperature and carbon dioxide across different growth stages, as well as the resulting impacts on nutritional quality. A growing body of global research highlights significant shifts in wheat phenology due to rising temperatures. However, findings are inconsistent some studies report an advancement of phenological stages by several days per decade, while others observe delays in the growing season, vegetative, and reproductive phases. Elevated carbon dioxide levels also influence wheat phenology, triggering both early and delayed flowering, as well as variations in elongation and maturity. Climate variability disrupts wheat's carbon metabolism, mineral uptake, and nutrient use efficiency, contributing to reductions in essential minerals such as Fe, Mg, Mn, P, S, and Zn, which carry serious health and nutritional consequences. Consequently, wheat phenology, yield, and nutritional content are all sensitive to climatic changes. To mitigate these effects, the use of wheat varieties with region-specific adaptation strategies is recommended in the face of a changing climate.