A GIS-coupled thermal response model for predicting the population growth potential of the red cotton bug, Dysdercus koenigii (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) in India under climate change conditions.

Recently, the red cotton bug has become a significant menace to cotton in India. With the potential for increased habitat suitability due to predicted temperature rise of 2.5 °C under future climate change in India, this pest could become even more severe in certain regions. Addressing the knowledge gap on the temperature-driven population growth of this pest is crucial for developing a climate-resilient pest management strategy. In this study, life history data gathered at various constant temperatures (15 °C-35 °C) were used to estimate temperature thresholds and thermal requirements for the red cotton bug development. Stochastic estimation of life table parameters and validation with real-time weather data were performed. The phenology model, integrated into a geographic information system, projected the future pest status based on SSP126 temperature change scenarios for the year 2050. The temperatures between 8.35 and 10.83 °C were estimated as lower developmental thresholds for various immature life stages. The optimum and upper threshold temperatures estimated for different life stages ranged between 22.14 - 28.32 °C and 35.80-39.08 °C, respectively. Thermal requirements of 447.97° days for life cycle completion were estimated. The optimum immature survival rates (>70%) were observed at temperatures between 25 and 30 °C. The temperature-dependent decrease in generation times from 90.45 days (15 °C) to 25.44 days (35 °C) was observed, whereas maximum fecundity was recorded at 32 °C. Simulation at fluctuating temperatures across different cotton growing locations provided reasonably similar results on potential population increase (finite rate of increase: 0.99-1.04 females/female/day and a generation time of 44.25-83.97 days). Risk mapping highlighted moderate to high suitability (ERI >0.4, GI > 6, and AI >4) of various cotton growing areas under current climate, and projected shifts in suitability under future climate change. The study has generated information valuable for implementing effective and timely pest management strategies for red cotton bug. Integrating the field observations with model outputs can enhance a practical understanding of red cotton bug dynamics.