The implications of climate change for positive contributions of invertebrates to world agriculture

[EN] Terrestrial invertebrate species play a dominant role in the trophic dynamics of agricultural ecosystems. Subtle changes in the composition of communities and species interactions at different trophic levels, and role of ecosystem engineers can dramatically modify the effects of invertebrates on plant productivity in agricultural systems. The effect of climate change on relevant invertebrates in agricultural systems, and their potential to adapt or move is discussed. All terrestrial systems (including forestry and pasture) are considered, although the main focus is on crop production systems. Our treatise centres on whole organisms (as opposed to genetic information from invertebrates) that play key roles in agricultural systems.Westart with an overview of current thinking on how climate change may affect invertebrates. Then, recognizing the great invertebrate biodiversity associated with agro-ecosystems, the review focuses on three key groups - soil invertebrates, biological control agents and pollinators. A variety of research gaps became apparent during the course of our review. Specific conclusions regarding the impact of climate change on particular elements of invertebrate genetic resources in agriculture are not possible yet. Existing evidence suggests that three general assumptions can be made. First, it is probable that climate change will disrupt to varying degrees the role and use of invertebrates in agriculture, especially sustainable agriculture, even though the precise nature of the disruptions is not yet known. Second, without intervention, these disruptions will result in production losses particularly in sustainable agriculture, even though the scale and extent of the losses is not yet known. Third, the extent of some of the losses will justify intervention to facilitate adaptations of the invertebrates, even though the methods with which to intervene and policies to facilitate this intervention are not yet in place. © 2013 CAB International.

This review is based in part on a report that the authors prepared for the Commission on Genetic Resources for Agriculture (CGRFA), at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, on climate change and invertebrate genetic resources for food and agriculture [277]. We thank Kim-Anh Tempelman and colleagues at the CGRFA for their interest, support and encouragement in preparing that report. We also thank Peter S. Baker (CABI), John Kean (AgResearch Ltd, New Zealand), Graham Walker (The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited), and Craig Phillips (AgResearch Ltd, New Zealand), who contributed Case Studies as indicated; Joop van Lenteren (Wageningen University, The Netherlands), Peter Baker and several anonymous scientists of the CGRFA and FAO who reviewed parts of a draft of the report from which this review was derived; and Rebecca J Murphy (UK) and Dafydd Pilling (FAO) for editorial inputs to that report.

Peer Reviewed