Climate change in the Asian Pacific regions

Developing countries in the Asia Pacific, especially India and Bangladesh, are likely to face the highest reductions in agricultural production in the world, due to climate change. This will be through direct effects on crop production such as floods and drought and indirect effects through the spread of pests and diseases.

Understanding the effects of increasing temperature, CO2 and severe weather events on pests and diseases of food crops will enable agricultural industries and government in the Asia Pacific to better prepare and adapt to climate change by modifying management practices. For example, timing and location of planting, the use of new varieties and timing and application of pest and disease control methods.

A new Asia Pacific Network for Global Change project led by CRCNPB’s, Dr Jo Luck, will investigate the impact of climate change on key pests and diseases of major crops in the Asia Pacific Region. This project brings together Indian, Bangladesh and Australian policy experts and research scientists, comprising agrometerologists, crop modellers, entomologists and plant pathologists to determine what the key threats to their agriculture crops are under a changing climate. This project demonstrates a global approach to addressing the risks posed by climate change to food security in both developing and developed countries.

Monsoons, flooding and changes to precipitation patterns and humidity will be a focus of this investigation. The major crops targeted will be wheat, rice, canola and pigeon pea with pest and disease such as aphids, caterpillar, rusts, blights, and viruses investigated. Potential changes to the pest and disease population and geographic distribution will be analysed to determine if there are any increased risks to crop production and food security.