PGTF: Building Climate Resilience Through Innovation: CRONOS Crop Models Empower Farmers

Farmers around the world are on the frontlines of climate change. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasingly extreme weather events are placing agricultural systems – and food security –at risk. In response, scientists from Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay have joined forces under a Pérez-Guerrero Trust Fund (PGTF) project to develop practical, science-based tools to help farmers adapt. The project, titled “Rethinking climate change mitigation strategies by improving phenological adaptability and tolerance to abiotic stresses in temperate crops”, focuses on expanding and refining CRONOS crop models – innovative, technology-based tools that simulate how key crops respond to environmental conditions such as temperature and rainfall. These models help farmers and agricultural advisors make informed decisions about planting schedules, stress management, and climate adaptation strategies. For example, if higher-than-normal temperatures are predicted during the growing season, CRONOS can recommend optimal sowing dates to reduce the risk of crop failure.   A Collaborative South-South Effort The PGTF project brought together scientists from three Southern countries to address shared climate challenges in agriculture. Their work focused on:

• Designing CRONOS prediction models for temperate cereals and rapeseed
• Studying how crops respond to climate stressors like heat and waterlogging
• Sharing research and tools with farmers, technicians, and the wider scientific community

The result? New and expanded CRONOS models tailored to wheat, barley, and rapeseed, including canola. These include:

• CRONOTRIGO (wheat)
• CRONOCEBADA (malting barley)
• CRONOCANOLA (canola and Brassica carinata, used in biofuels and fish feed)

Each model is adapted to local varieties and regional growing conditions. Over 45,000 users – including farmers, agronomists, technical advisors, and students – are now using CRONOS tools to improve planning, anticipate environmental stresses, and boost productivity sustainably.   From the Lab to the Field To ensure wide adoption, the project prioritized outreach and knowledge sharing. In Argentina, a field day in Chivilcoy brought together over 80 farmers, agronomists, and students to discuss crop management using CRONOS. In Paysandú, Uruguay, another 150 participants joined technical workshops on climate stress adaptation. The models also featured at the 14th International Barley Genetics Symposium, attracting global scientific interest and recognition.   A Lasting Contribution to Climate-Smart Agriculture The CRONOS models showcase the power of South-South cooperation in action: leveraging shared challenges to co-create solutions that are scalable, regionally relevant, and scientifically robust. They are a clear example of how innovation – when made accessible – can transform climate vulnerability into resilience. As these models continue to evolve, they represent a strong foundation for more climate-resilient and food-secure agricultural systems in the Global South and beyond.   For more information, please contact: Dr. Daniel Miralles – miralles@agro.uba.ar; or Dr. Deborah Rondanini – rondanin@agro.uba.ar