Core Insights - The article highlights the impact of drought conditions on wheat and peach crops in Jiangsu province, emphasizing the need for effective irrigation strategies to mitigate the effects of insufficient rainfall [1][2][3] Group 1: Drought Conditions and Agricultural Impact - The average temperature in Jiangsu province reached a record high for April, while precipitation was 40% below normal, leading to significant drought stress on crops [1] - Over 4 million acres of wheat are currently affected by drought, coinciding with critical growth stages for the crop [2] - Soil moisture levels are a concern for peach farmers, who are advised to use drip irrigation to ensure adequate water supply without overwatering [2] Group 2: Innovative Irrigation Solutions - A "空—地" (air-ground) collaborative smart irrigation system has been developed, utilizing drones and IoT sensors to monitor crop health and soil moisture in real-time [3] - This system allows for data-driven irrigation decisions, improving water use efficiency by 30% to 50% compared to traditional methods [3] Group 3: Research and Development in Drought Resistance - Research teams at Yangzhou University are working on breeding drought-resistant crop varieties, with a focus on maize root systems [4][5] - The use of gene editing technology is expected to lead to the development of drought-resistant varieties within 7 to 10 years, contributing to global food security [5]