An Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on Pest Infestation and Control Methods
S. Peer Mohamed
*
Department of Zoology, Sadakathullah Appa College (Autonomous), Rahmath Nagar, Tirunelveli-627011, Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Climate change has pervasive effects on agriculture, impacting various facets of production. The production of agricultural commodities is particularly susceptible to the influence of climate change. This is exemplified by the escalating losses incurred due to pests, which in turn, pose a significant threat to global food security. Notably, for every degree rise in temperature, insect predators are responsible for a substantial 10–25% reduction in production output. Climate change further exacerbates the situation by bolstering the diffusion, longevity, and adaptability of these pests. Alterations in temperature patterns lead to shifts in weather dynamics, while the emission of chemicals into the atmosphere induces noteworthy changes in the distribution, migration, and behavioral patterns of insect predators. Consequently, this exerts a palpable impact on the overall volume of sustenance generated worldwide. The predicament of crop infestations by insects and the resulting production losses is already a pressing concern for major agricultural powerhouses such as China, the United States, and France. This article delves into a comprehensive assessment of the repercussions of climate change on pest infestations, along with an exploration of viable pest control strategies.
Keywords: Agriculture, pest control management, carbon dioxide, temperature, and rainfall