The evolution of cereal yields in Italy over the last 150 years: The peculiar case of rice

This study examined Italian yields for wheat (Triticum spp.), maize (Zea mays L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) over the period 1870–2018, in order to identify periods when most significant growth occurred, compared France, United Kingdom, States. From 1870 2018, Italy increased by 347, 865, 178% wheat, maize, rice, respectively. In 84 95% of increase, respectively, occurred since end World War II. Similar trends can also be observed However timing is slightly different. For States, rapid yield during 1930s, whereas Kindom 1940s, France after The post-war trend increasing Italy, which still going on almost stopped about 20 yr ago, probably due lack availability genetically modified (GM) varieties related technologies. If current approach against adoption new plant-breeding techniques maintained, gap between Europe, as a whole, likely widen further. case increase began occur early 19th century. Between 1895 1940 this crop three times. similar only