Document Type : Review Paper
Author
Corresponding Author, Associate professor, Plant Pathology Research Department, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Tehran, Iran
10.22092/ijfrpr.2025.368645.1665
Abstract
Background and Objective: Understanding the causes of emerging plant pests is critically important for their prevention and control. Some of the factors contributing to the occurrence of emerging pests are as follows:
Natural introduction: Some pests and pathogens are transported to new areas by natural factors such as wind, water currents, birds, or other living organisms. Ecological and environmental changes can also facilitate the natural spread of these agents.
Accidental or unintentional introduction: With the increase in international trade, the unwanted transfer of pests and pathogens along with various goods, especially agricultural products, has become easier. Seeds, scions, seedlings, and other reproductive organs, as well as transport means such as trucks, ships, and airplanes, can act as vectors or carriers for these pests.
Intentional introduction: Some pests and pathogens are deliberately introduced into a country or region for sabotage purposes. Such introductions can occur as biowarfare, bioterrorism, or biocrime, posing a serious threat to food security and national economies.
Climate change: Climatic changes, including increases in temperature, alterations in rainfall patterns, and drought, create favorable conditions for the spread of certain pests. These changes allow the development of suitable habitats for some damaging species that were previously unable to establish in those areas.
Human activities and globalization: The expansion of global trade, transportation, and new agricultural practices also plays an important role in the spread of pests. Urbanization and the destruction of natural habitats are additional factors that can lead to an increase in pest populations.
Resistance breakdown and hybridization: Reduction of plant resistance against pests and the emergence of new species through genetic recombination can lead to the appearance of new pests. Genetic changes in pests and pathogens may also increase their aggressiveness.
Genetic engineering: The creation of new plant varieties may facilitate the growth and reproduction of pests that were previously controlled. Genetic manipulations without assessing environmental impacts may increase plant vulnerability to certain pests.
Some important strategies for preventing and managing emerging pests are as follows:
Identification and documentation of existing pests: Establishing a comprehensive database of pests, pathogens, and weeds in the country is the first step in managing this challenge. Accurate and up-to-date information can greatly assist in preventing and controlling these pests.
Continuous monitoring and surveillance: Ongoing monitoring of farms, orchards, and natural areas through regular sampling and reporting of pest status is crucial for timely detection and control. Surveillance programs should employ modern technologies, including remote sensing and satellite data.
Border control and inspection of shipments: Strict enforcement of quarantine regulations for imported agricultural products and other goods that may act as pest vectors is essential. This requires continuous cooperation among regulatory authorities and the use of advanced inspection and monitoring technologies.
Rapid response and crisis management: When an emerging pest is detected, authorities should implement appropriate measures to eliminate and eradicate it. Rapid application of control and quarantine measures during the early stages of pest emergence can prevent their further spread.
Use of integrated management strategies: These include the use of resistant varieties, modification of agricultural practices, biological control, and, when necessary, controlled chemical interventions. Combining these approaches can result in more effective and sustainable pest management.
Increasing international cooperation: Sharing information among countries about emerging pests plays a crucial role in controlling and preventing their spread. Scientific collaboration and the application of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can be effective in identifying pest outbreak patterns and providing suitable management solutions.
Conclusion: The current status of emerging pests in the country indicates that one of the most significant factors in their occurrence is accidental entry through agricultural and industrial shipments. Therefore, regulating the import of agricultural products and strictly implementing phytosanitary and plant quarantine measures can reduce the risk of pest introduction. Simultaneously, effective management and the application of preventive and control strategies—including continuous monitoring, rapid detection, and timely response—can significantly reduce the damage caused by these pests. International cooperation for information and experience sharing is also an effective step toward ensuring global food security. The development of new technologies and raising awareness among farmers and authorities will be key factors in the sustainable management of emerging pests.
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