Some Pests Thrive in High Temperatures, Making Difficulties for Farmers
Farmers should brace for tougher times following a surge of new-generation pests, scientists have warned.
Destructive pests including the white fly, thrips and spider mites are evolving into new bugs with rising temperatures, the Association of International Research and Development Centers for Agriculture has said.
Chairman Dyno Keatinge yesterday said the government and research firms should act quickly.
“As temperatures rise, the white fly is able to evolve into two or three generations each year. Farmers need to have information on how to deal with pests and disease,” he said during a forum on agriculture diversification.
Bernard Spragg, NZ