Study of Seasonal Incidence of Rice Earhead Bug (Coreidae: Hemiptera)

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between climatic factors and the population dynamics of the rice earhead bug (Leptocorisa acuta) in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. Through correlational analysis, we examined the associations between rainfall, rainy days, morning relative humidity (RH), evening RH, evening vapour pressure, wind velocity, maximum temperature, morning vapour pressure, evaporation, sunshine, and the prevalence of rice earhead bugs. Results indicate a negative correlation between rice earhead bug population and both rainfall and rainy days, suggesting a potential suppression effect of increased precipitation on bug abundance. Morning RH, evening RH, evening vapour pressure, and wind velocity showed non-significant negative correlations with bug population, indicating that these factors may have limited influence on bug dynamics in our study area. Conversely, a positive non-significant correlation was observed between rice earhead bug population and maximum temperature, morning vapour pressure, evaporation, and sunshine. This implies that higher temperatures and increased solar radiation may have a subtle positive effect on bug abundance, although further investigation is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Overall, our findings shed light on the complex interplay between climatic factors and rice earhead bug dynamics, highlighting the importance of considering multiple variables in pest management strategies for rice cultivation.