In the tropics, the warmest temperatures will cut maize and rice harvests by 20 to 40 percent, the researchers said.

研究人员称，极端高温将导致热带地区的玉米和米产量下降20%至40%。

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In traditional plant breeding, some inbred maize plants destined to be crossed with others have their male, pollen-producing tassels cut off to prevent self-fertilisation (maize is a horticultural hermaphrodite, carrying both male and female sex organs).

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In the tropics, the higher temperatures could be expected to cut yields of the primary food crops, maize and rice, by 20-40%, the researchers said.

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