Impacts of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide on insect pests and natural enemies

Abstract

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide due to climate change affects plant physiology and chemistry, leading to higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratios that boost herbivorous insect pests feeding rates and population growth. The impact on natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids, is complex and less understood. Changes in prey quality and altered plant volatiles can reduce their effectiveness and disrupt foraging behavior. Studying the interaction between pests and natural enemies under elevated carbon dioxide is crucial for predicting pest outbreaks and developing sustainable pest management. Research should focus on multi-trophic interactions to create comprehensive models informing agricultural and ecological policies to mitigate climate change impacts.