| Global Warming Influence on the Population Growth of the Winter Grain Mite Penthaleus major (Duge ́s) (Acarina: Penthaleidae) |
| Paper ID : 1060-IPCA5 (R1) |
| Authors |
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Mohammadbagher Safiarian *1, MOhammad Khanjani2, Majid Rakhshandeh2, Fatemeh Asadi2 1Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran 2Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran |
| Abstract |
| The winter grain mite Penthaleus major (Duge ́s) poses a significant threat to wheat fields, causing substantial economic losses. This study investigates the impact of rising temperatures due to climate change on its life cycle and generational frequency. Analyzing 43 years of meteorological data from Hamedan, statistical methods and growth models were used to assess how temperature trends affect mite generations. The results reveal that rising average temperatures, particularly during November-December, significantly increase the number of winter grain mite generations. When the average air temperature exceeds 4°C, the pest’s life cycle accelerates, leading to more generations. This temperature threshold is critical as it marks a tipping point for increased mite activity and reproduction. Over the 43 years, the gradual rise in temperatures has correlated with a noticeable increase in generational frequency, with the most pronounced changes observed in recent years. The findings underscore the impact of global warming on pest dynamics. Warmer temperatures, especially during colder months, create favorable conditions for the winter grain mite to thrive, potentially leading to more significant crop damage. This highlights the need for adaptive pest management strategies to address the challenges of climate change. Traditional control methods may become less effective as the pest’s life cycle shortens and its population grows. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that rising temperatures, particularly at the end of the fall, significantly increase the number of winter grain mite generations. This trend is likely to continue with ongoing global warming, more significantly greater threat to wheat production. To mitigate these risks, new management strategies must be developed and implemented, taking into account the changing climate and its impact on pest behavior. Proactive measures will be essential to safeguard wheat crops and ensure food security in the face of a warming world. |
| Keywords |
| global warming, winter grain mite, growing degree days, climate change, pest management. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |
