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Paddy is one of the staple crops in many countries, especially in Asia. However, like any other crops, paddy is also vulnerable to pests and diseases. Two of the most common problems in paddy cultivation are sucking pests and blast diseases. In this article, we will discuss these issues and provide some tips on how to manage them.
Sucking Pests in Paddy
Sucking pests are insects that feed on plant sap by piercing the tissues of the plant. The most common sucking pests in paddy are the brown planthopper (BPH) and the whitebacked planthopper (WBPH). These pests are known for causing significant yield losses in paddy.
Symptoms of Sucking Pests in Paddy
The symptoms of sucking pests in paddy can vary depending on the severity of infestation. Some common symptoms include:
– Stunted growth
– Yellowing of leaves
– Wilting or drying of leaves
– Poor ability to bear grain
– Honeydew on leaves
Management of Sucking Pests in Paddy
To manage sucking pests in paddy, farmers can use several methods. These are:
– Field sanitation: Remove weeds and plant residues from the field to reduce breeding sites for pests.
– Organic methods: Use natural predators and parasites to control pest populations, or spray organic pesticides made from neem, garlic, or chili.
– Chemical pesticides: Use recommended pesticides in the recommended doses. This method should be carried out carefully, and specific precautions should be taken to prevent environmental contamination.
– Resistant varieties: Plant resistant varieties to reduce the impact of pests.
Blast Disease in Paddy
Blast disease is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stem, and grain of the paddy plant. This disease can cause significant yield losses in paddy fields. The fungus that causes blast disease can be transmitted through seeds or air.
Symptoms of Blast Disease in Paddy
The symptoms of blast disease in paddy can vary like:
– Leaf blast: Brown to tan oval or diamond-shaped lesions surrounded by narrow brown to purple margins on the plant leaves.
– Neck blast: The uppermost internode discolors and shrivels, leading to drying and death of the panicle.
– Node blast: The nodes on the stem show water-soaked lesions and become discolored.
Management of Blast Disease in Paddy
Farmers can use several methods to manage blast disease in paddy. These are:
– Use of resistant varieties: Farmers should plant blast-resistant varieties to reduce yield loss.
– Field sanitation: Remove infected plant debris and ensure good drainage.
– Use of fungicides: Farmers can use fungicides to prevent and control blast disease. It is advisable to consult local agricultural officers or experts for advice on the best fungicides to use.
In conclusion, sucking pests and blast disease are two significant problems in paddy cultivation that can lead to significant yield losses. Farmers can manage these issues by following recommended practices such as field sanitation, organic methods, chemical pesticides, and planting resistant varieties. By taking these measures, farmers can reduce the impact of these pests and diseases on their paddy crops.