Spread of Crop Pests Threatens Global Food Security

A new study conducted by the University of Exeter and University of Oxford in the United Kingdom revealed that global warming is resulting to the spread of crop pests towards the North and South Poles at a rate of nearly 3 km a year. It also showed a strong relationship between increased global temperatures over the past 50 years and the expansion of crop pests.

At present, 10-16 percent of global crop production is lost to pests such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, insects, nematodes, viroids and oomycetes. Losses of major crops to fungi, and fungi-like microorganisms correspond to an amount enough to feed nearly nine percent of today's global population. The study suggests that these figures will increase further if global temperatures continue to rise as predicted.

The spread of pests is caused by both human activities and natural processes but is thought to be primarily the result of international freight transportation. The study suggests that the warming climate is allowing pests to become established in previously unsuitable regions. Dan Bebber from the University of Exeter said "If crop pests continue to march polewards as the Earth warms the combined effects of a growing world population and the increased loss of crops to pests will pose a serious threat to global food security."

For more details about this study, read the news release at: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_316965_en.html.