EO4AgroClimate: Improving modelling of pests and biological control agents to adapt to changing climates
Lead Research Organisation:
CAB International
Department Name: Egham Office
Abstract
Agriculture is facing a period of unprecedented change. Under the most conservative estimates, global climate models have estimated that global temperatures will increase by at least 1.5-2 degrees C by 2050. Associated with this, an increase in the likelihood of extreme weather events, temperatures, heavy precipitation or prolonged drought periods are predicted globally. This will adversely affect both the production of crops and the biotic ecosystems within which they are grown. Even under the most conservative projections, changes in temperatures and frequency and intensity of rainfall is likely to have a profound effect on both the phenology of crop pests and diseases in addition to biological control agents. Over recent years the availability and quality of datasets which have been derived from Earth Observation (EO) sources has increased, both in terms of quantity of available data, but also quality i.e. greater spatial and temporal resolution. There is great scope to apply these data to agricultural purposes especially those related to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.
Description | EO4 Agro Climate |
Amount | £499,993 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/Y00017X/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2023 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | Collaboration with Darren Kriticos, an expert in drought modelling |
Organisation | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | CABI's pest and disease modelling skills provides an excellent opportunity to link agricultural threats of pests and diseases to better control them in irrigated or drought areas. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr. Darren Kriticos is an expert in drought and irrigation modelling. Combining Dr. Kriticos modelling skills with those of CABI's allows for more precise pest and disease forecasting to take place. |
Impact | Using Earth Observation Data and Technology for Agriculture and the Climate. Special topic workshop: Pests, Diseases and Invasive species. Held on the 15th March 2022. A two hour on-line workshop. |
Start Year | 2022 |