North Carolina State University. (2022, September 5). Soil temperature can predict pest spread in crops. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 8, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220905160943.htm
Previously, it was thought that pests, such as the corn earworm, could not survive through winters past 40 degrees latitude due to the freezing temperatures. But new research indicates that the 40 degree division is no longer completely accurate. By comparing maps and historical trends, researchers are able to make zones on where the corn earworm can and can’t survive the winter. They found that the southern zone where the earworm is able to survive has grown in size. With warmer temperatures becoming more common, northern areas with previously no issue of the pest will have warm enough soil for the bugs to overwinter.
I think this new research is incredibly important in predicting the northward migration of agriculture-harming pests. Soil temperature can now inform farmers on the spread of the corn earworm. But now that we know species who typically reside in warmer climates can now survive in more northern locations, I think this article raises the question of the impact this will have on northern ecosystems in the future. Sure, this new research is crucial for stopping corn earworm, but I think it highlights the possible migration of species that were previously limited to more southern latitudes. Species entering ecosystems where they were not formerly a part of can cause drastic disruptions to those food chains. And while this is critical research for pest control, I think this article also gives important insight into what the future may hold with increasing temperatures.
Reading about the increase in pests is both fascinating (I wonder how evolution and the survival of individuals who could handle warmer temperatures played a role?) and very concerning, as I agree, as you say, that this could threaten agriculture. Like you mention, especially as temperatures are rising across the board, it’ll be important to track pest patterns. One question I have is that I wonder if farmers have responded to increased pest populations by using more chemicals or pesticides? And, if so, what are the environmental impacts of that?
I am curious as to if these pesticides thrive in warm weather (specifically the soil) I agree with what you had to say just interested in how we can avoid this from continuing to happen, as it seems to be out of our control unless we work in large numbers.
This is a very interwsting effect of global warming. My only question is do you think these pests will continue to migrate north? It seems like the north would be a harder environment for them to survive in. Shouldn;t they just stay in their native land?