Heatwave Accelerates Crop Growth and Crop Pests: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Overview

Recent heatwaves across the Midwestern United States have significantly accelerated the growth of crops and the development of crop pests. This phenomenon presents challenges and opportunities related to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15).

Impact of Heat on Crop and Pest Development

According to Erin Hodgson, an entomologist with Iowa State University Extension, the surge in Growing Degree Day Units due to heat indexes reaching triple digits has expedited biological processes in both plants and insects.

• Accelerated Plant Growth: Elevated temperatures speed up crop development, potentially affecting yield timelines and agricultural planning.
• Rapid Insect Development: The heatwave has also hastened the life cycles of crop pests, increasing their populations in a shorter period.

Case Study: Japanese Beetle

One notable pest affected by the heatwave is the Japanese beetle, an annual pest with one generation per year. Typically emerging from the soil around this time, these beetles have been observed feeding on corn and soybeans.

1. Emergence Timing: The current period marks the typical emergence of adult Japanese beetles.
2. Feeding Behavior: They feed on crops such as corn and soybeans, which may interfere with crop development.
3. Economic Impact: While generally not causing significant economic damage, Japanese beetles can affect corn pollination by clipping silks, potentially reducing yield quality.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Understanding pest dynamics under changing climate conditions is critical to safeguarding crop yields and food security.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: The heatwave exemplifies climate variability impacts on agriculture, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Managing pest populations sustainably is essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.

Conclusion

The accelerated growth of crops and pests due to recent heatwaves highlights the interconnected challenges of climate change and agricultural sustainability. Proactive monitoring and integrated pest management strategies are vital to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem health.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses crop growth and pest development, which directly impact agricultural productivity and food security.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The heatwave and rising temperatures accelerating insect and plant growth relate to climate change impacts.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The focus on crop pests such as Japanese beetles touches on ecosystem health and pest management.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including combating desertification and halting biodiversity loss.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Growing Degree Day Units (GDD)
   • Used to measure accumulated heat and predict plant and insect development stages, which can help monitor climate impacts on agriculture.
2. Crop Pest Population Levels
   • Monitoring the emergence and feeding activity of pests like Japanese beetles can indicate pest pressure and potential crop damage.
3. Crop Pollination Success
   • Indicators such as silk clipping by pests affecting corn pollination can be used to assess impacts on crop yield.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: brownfieldagnews.com