Stem borer is one of the most damaging pests in paddy crops that can cause significant yield losses. The larvae of the stem borer bore into the stem of the plants and feed on the nutrient-rich tissues, which interferes with the normal functioning of the plant and results in stunted growth, wilting, and ultimately death.
To control the stem borer attack in paddy crop, an integrated pest management approach is recommended, which involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control measures.
Cultural Control Measures:
• Paddy field preparation- Paddy fields should be prepared properly by plowing the field to a depth of 15-20cm, and incorporating farmyard manure or compost to enhance the soil fertility.
• Crop rotation- Crop rotation is one of the cultural control measures that can help keep the pests population under control. In terms of paddy crops, it is important to rotate the crop with non-rice crops to break the cycle of pest infestation.
• Use of resistant varieties- Planting resistant varieties is another cultural control measure that can help reduce the impact of stem borer infestation.
Biological Control Measures:
• Introduction of natural enemies- The introduction of natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators can be an effective biological control measure to control the stem borer population.
• Use of bio-pesticides- Bio-pesticides are derived from natural sources such as plant extracts, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These are safe and effective in controlling pests, including the stem borer.
Chemical Control Measures:
• Application of insecticides- Insecticides act as a quick remedy to control the pest infestation. However, indiscriminate and excessive use of insecticides can lead to the development of insecticide-resistant strains of stem borers.
• Systemic insecticides- Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plants and move through the plant’s vascular system, which makes it an effective control measure against pests such as stem borers.
In conclusion, the control of stem borer attack in paddy crop requires an integrated pest management approach that involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control measures. Adopting these measures will help improve the health and productivity of the paddy crop while minimizing the deleterious effect of stem borer infestation.