Mapping of the Steneotarsonemus spinki invasion risk in suitable areas for rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation using MaxEnt

Rice is one of the most important socioeconomic crops in the world. The tarsonemid mite Steneotarsonemus spinki is one of the most destructive pests for this crop and is restricted to some regions of Asia and America. The aim of this work was to map the risk of S. spinki invasion in rice-growing areas in the world. Presence data of Oryza sativa and S. spinki obtained from the literature and bioclimatic parameters from WorldClim were analyzed in the MaxEnt program to generate suitability indices and distribution maps for each species and for the two species together. High annual mean temperature associated with low temperature annual range were the most important environmental variables for the occurrence of O. sativa and S. spinki, and low rainfall favoring S. spinki. The model indicates that there are climatic conditions for the establishment of S. spinki in important rice-producing regions, such as western and central Africa, Oceania, Asia, and North, Central, and South America. Our results are useful for the efficient establishment of phytosanitary measures to prevent the dispersal of S. spinki to new rice-producing areas.