MAIZE INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT IN A CHANGING CLIMATE - A REVIEW

Due to human activity, climate change has emerged as one of the most important issues of our time. Climate change has been generally recognized to have an impact on rising temperatures and extreme weather events, but it also has an equally serious impact on agricultural systems, particularly with regard to insect pests. The role of insect pests holds substantial importance in determining global food security and the sustainability of agriculture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there is a projected need for a 60% increase in global food production by the middle of this century to meet the demands of a growing world population and their evolving dietary preferences. However, the existing impacts of climate change on agriculture are evident, affecting the biology, distribution, and potential outbreaks of pests across diverse land uses like maize crops. The concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), initially centered on insect control, underscores a strategic approach emphasizing the reduction of insecticide use. This reduction is achieved by prioritizing biological control, cultural practices, and other non-chemical tactics for pest management