Impact of climate change on pests of rice and cassava.

Abstract

Climate change is exacerbating food insecurity, and its negative impacts will worsen over time. This is happening via several pathways, among which plant pests are a leading cause. To contribute to more evidence-based decisions and policies, a team from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) carried out a comprehensive literature review on rice (Oryza sativa) and cassava (Manihot esculenta), the major pests and diseases affecting them, and the impact of climate change on the latter. Rice is the major staple crop for about half the world's population. Most studies conclude that pest pressure will increase on rice under future climate change. There are a lot of pests of rice, among which brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is the most important pest. Leaf blast disease caused by fungus Magnaporthe grisea is the most significant disease, with losses of up to USD 66 billion dollars per year that are equivalent to the amount needed to feed 60 million people. Cassava is the major staple crop and crucial for food security in many countries of the world. A study has shown that cassava production will vary from -3.5% to +17.5% within Africa under 2030 climate projections. Unfortunately, as other crops, cassava will be vulnerable to pests and diseases. Over a third of attainable cassava yield is lost every year to pests and disease alone.