Impact of climatic changes on the distribution of Paratrichodorus minor (Nematoda: Trichodoridae) as estimated using 'CLIMEX'

Abstract

Using published records for the widespread, polyphagous, plant-parasitic nematode Paratrichodorus minor and the 'match climates' function of the computer model CLIMEX, we assessed the impact of a 2°C increase in mean annual temperature. Best current distribution records are from eastern Australia and South Africa (26 and 24 respectively). CLIMEX demonstrates a shift in the range of P. minor in Australia and Africa in response to climate warming. The actual changes are dependent on local interactions between topography and climate. With the available data it is reasonable to consider that similar changes in range would occur elsewhere on the globe. The new distribution would be affected by other environmental conditions and any climate-related changes in them.