Climate change impacts on root herbivores.

Abstract

This chapter reviews the potential direct and indirect (i.e. plant-mediated) impacts of climate change on root-feeding invertebrates and considers how climate change may affect interactions between root- and foliar-feeding herbivores. Topics covered include: (1) temperature effects on root herbivore phenology; (2) soil moisture impacts on root herbivore performance and abundance; (3) climate change impacts on nematodes; and (4) climate change impacts on root herbivore behaviour. Two case studies are given: (1) summer drought impacts on Elateridae larvae and Coccidae; and (2) the influence of elevated CO₂ on the clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus).