IMPACT OF CLIMATIC CHANGES ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF PARATRICHODORUS MINOR (NEMATODA, TRICHODORIDAE) AS ESTIMATED USING CLIMEX

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