As a staple crop, paddy or rice is one that is often targeted by various pests. The most common pests that attack paddy are root borers and termites. These pests can cause significant yield loss, and as such controlling them is crucial for farmers.
Root borers are known to attack the roots of paddy plants, causing damage that can affect the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. As a result, the rice plant will become stunted, exhibit yellowing of leaves, and eventually lead to reduced productivity. On the other hand, termites can cause severe damage to the paddy stem and roots, leading to lodging, which can result in significant yield loss.
To control root borers and termites in paddy, farmers can follow these management practices:
1. Use healthy seedlings
Before planting, farmers should ensure that they use healthy seedlings that are free from pests and diseases. This will reduce the risk of pest infestation.
2. Practice crop rotation
Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops in the same fields in different cropping seasons. This practice helps to reduce pest populations as pests that survive on one crop will not find their preferred hosts in the subsequent crop.
3. Use physical barriers
Physical barriers such as netting and mesh can prevent termites from entering the field. This method can be combined with burying termite traps around the farm to lure termites away from the crop.
4. Use biocontrol agents
Biocontrol agents such as entomopathogenic fungi are an effective means of controlling root borers and termites. These fungi infect the pest’s body, ultimately leading to its death.
5. Chemical control
Chemical control is another option for controlling root borers and termites. However, it should only be used as a last resort if the other management practices fail to control the infestation. Farmers must follow the recommended dosage and application procedure to avoid harming the environment and non-target organisms.
In conclusion, the control of root borers and termites in paddy is critical for maintaining high productivity levels. Farmers should implement a combination of management practices to achieve best results with minimal environmental impacts. By applying these practices consistently, farmers can increase their yield and improve their livelihoods.