Climate change increases pest threats to crops

Climate change and globalization are increasing the threats posed by insects and mites to crops. Researchers warn of increased risks to agricultural production, with the spread of pests and increased damage to various types of crops.

Global warming and the expansion of international trade are cited as factors that favor the migration of pests to new regions. At the same time, the intensification of agriculture weakens the natural control of these threats.

The study, carried out by the universities of Hebei and Exeter, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, suggests that warmer temperatures allow pests to move further from the equator and to higher altitudes.

Increased global trade has accelerated the spread of invasive species. Researchers say it is urgent to adopt effective strategies for pest monitoring, predictive models and climate-adapted agricultural practices.

“The impact of pests is increasing, with greater numbers of species, more annual generations and longer seasons of activity,” said Professor Dan Bebber, from the University of Exeter. He noted that around 40% of global food production is lost to pests and diseases, putting global food security at risk.

The study reveals that climate change has weakened natural constraints on pests, which migrate to new areas due to rising temperatures. Loss of biodiversity also reduces biological control, or the ability of natural predators to control pest populations. In addition, extreme weather events, such as heat waves and droughts, can trigger unexpected pest outbreaks.

Increased pest damage will be most significant at higher latitudes in temperate regions where crops such as wheat, rice and corn are predominant.

However, climate change can negatively affect crops in many parts of the world, requiring an integrated approach to pest management.

In their analysis, the researchers point out that intensified agriculture, with excessive use of fertilizers and irrigation, is favoring pests by offering ideal growing conditions, while changes in land use, such as deforestation, further aggravate the damage, altering the local climate and harming natural predators.

Among the main pests affecting crops are aphids (for wheat and soybeans), rice hoppers and corn borers. The study predicts that, with rising temperatures, wheat pests will become more abundant in spring, while damage to rice may expand to temperate regions.

The research warns that productivity losses caused by pests and the increased use of pesticides are rising trends. However, it also highlights that pests may decrease due to extreme weather events and the use of genetically modified crops.

Sustainable pest management is seen as fundamental, with an emphasis on increasing biological diversity and using biological control to reduce dependence on pesticides.

More information can be found at doi.org/10.1038/s43017-025-00652-3