Climate change and possible challenges for crop protection – Yesterday, today, tomorrow

Abstract

Climate and weather are decisive factors for plant protection. Already 100 years ago, scientists dedicated themselves to this topic in the newsletter of the German Plant Protection Service. The effects of climate change are ambi­valent and there will be an overall change in the pest spectrum. Damage caused by insects, pathogens and heat-tolerant weeds will tend to be favoured. The risk of invasive species becoming established increases. Simi­larly, the effectiveness of biological crop protection may be compromised and new methods may be required. In the case of chemical pesticides, the spectrum of active substances will shift and the demands on application technology and timing will increase. Heavy rains can increase the risk of pesticide run-off into the environment. There may be increased infestation with storage pests already in the field in Central Europe too, and the quality and storage stability of harvested products may decline. Overall, the importance of preventive plant protection measures will increase. The consequences of climate change increase operational and economic risks and pose considerable challenges for all levels of stakeholders.