Climate Change and Insect Pests

Abstract

Climate change is a growing global issue and the most imminent concern threatening life forms. This applies in particular to the Mediterranean region where rates of most climate indicators are above global trends. Climate change could have implications for many facets of agricultural production systems. Although the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is one of the most adapted species to the Mediterranean climate, its co-adaptation with pests may change with the considerable warming and drying trends in future climate projections. In fact, climate change will result in significant changes in diversity, distribution of insect pests, pest-plant interactions, natural enemy abundance, and the effectiveness of crop protection systems for pest control. Hence, a changed pattern in climatic factors has the potential to drastically affect the pest situation in olive groves and eventually lead to yield losses. This situation will create new challenges for olive growers who will have to protect their production and maximize their profit while adopting sustainable solutions.