Climate Change Impacts on Plant Pathogens and Food Security

Presenter

Thalia Ivelisse Torres

Campus

Springfield Technical Community College

Sponsor

Reena Randhir, Department of Biology, Springfield Technical Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A1, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 1 (A1-A20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Plant pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes affect agriculture significantly reducing yields and food availability and raising prices thereby food security. With global warming this threat has intensified with more new disease outbreaks, loss of biodiversity and food security. The objective of my research is to study the effects of the changing climate on agricultural crop pathogens and to propose methods for sustainable food production for food security. A detailed online literature review of scientific journals was followed to accomplish this. A report from Nature reviews documents that new and more harmful crop pathogens are attacking our crops and they are spreading to other crops where they've never been before. It further affects the biodiversity and the livelihood in that region. An interesting finding is that there are disease-fighting indigenous soil microbes that can help manage these new soil borne crop diseases.  We also need more stations, drones or remote sensing tools to measure the disease causing microbes in the air and soils to help us prepare in advance. I propose that by rethinking how we study, predict and manage crop diseases, we can better address food security. Our research scientists and policymakers must work together to develop a sustainable food supply for a healthy planet and people.

Keywords

Ticking time bomb , socio-economic conditions, biodiversity

Research Area

Climate Science

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