Asking about Control of Stem Borer and Sheath Rot in Paddy
Paddy, also called rice, is a staple food for millions of people around the world. However, cultivating paddy is a challenging task due to various pests and diseases that can damage the crop. Two of the most common problems that paddy farmers face are stem borer and sheath rot. In this article, we will discuss the control measures for these two diseases.
Stem Borer
Stem borer is a pest that attacks the stem of the paddy plant, causing damage to the internodes and reducing the yield of grain. It can also weaken the stalk, causing the plant to fall over. There are two types of stem borer, the yellow stem borer and the Scirpophaga incertulas. Yellow stem borer is more severe and causes more damage than Scirpophaga incertulas.
Control Measures for Stem Borer in Paddy
1. Use Resistant Varieties: Use resistant varieties of paddy that have been bred specifically to have better resistance against the yellow stem borer.
2. Use Biological Control: Certain natural predators can control stem borers. Parasitic wasps and ants that feed on the larvae of the stem borer can help control the pest. The use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also control the stem borer larvae.
3. Cultural Practice: Proper cultural practices like planting the crop on time and in-seasonal irrigation can help control the pest.
4. Chemical Control: Chemical control of stem borer can be done by applying pesticides like carbaryl and endosulfan.
Sheath Rot
Sheath rot is a fungal disease that attacks the leaf sheath of the paddy plant. It causes the sheath to rot and turn brown, which can lead to the complete rotting of the plant. The fungus survives on the debris of previous crops and soil for several years and can infect the new crop.
Control Measures for Sheath Rot in Paddy
1. Use Resistant Varieties: Using paddy varieties that have resistance to sheath rot can reduce the impact of the disease.
2. Remove Infected Plants: Infected plants should be removed and disposed of to prevent further spread of the disease.
3. Use Fungicides: Fungicides like Carbendazim and Mancozeb can be used to control Sheath rot.
4. Proper Field Sanitation: Proper field sanitation can help reduce the incidence of sheath rot. Remove plant debris from the field after harvesting and plough the soil to bury any fallen infested debris.
In conclusion, stem borer and sheath rot are two of the most common problems that affect paddy crops. Paddy farmers must identify these problems early and take appropriate control measures to avoid significant losses in yield and prevent disease from spreading. A combination of cultural, biological, and chemical measures, as well as proper field sanitation, can help control stem borer and sheath rot in paddy. Resistant varieties, along with proper field management, are the best approach to control these diseases in the paddy crop.