Nearctic invaders

This research article examines the potential impact of climate change on Nearctic leafhopper species in North America. The authors utilized species distribution modeling techniques to predict the future distribution and abundance of 14 leafhopper species known to be vectors of phytoplasmas, which are plant pathogens that cause significant economic damage to crops. The study found that the eastern region of North America is currently a hotspot for leafhopper species richness, a trend that is expected to persist under future climate scenarios, with a possible shift towards northern Canada. The analysis revealed that most leafhopper species have similar environmental niches, which could lead to an increase in species overlap and potentially greater transmission of phytoplasma diseases in the future. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding these changes to develop effective pest management strategies for sustainable agriculture. Source: Santos, A.A., Jacques, J. & Pérez-López, E. Potential impact of climate change on Nearctic leafhopper distribution and richness in North America. npj Sustain. Agric. 2, 12 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44264-024-00020-6