Paddy cultivation is one of the primary agricultural activities in many parts of the world, especially in Asia. However, the crops are prone to attacks from pests and diseases, which affect the quality and quantity of the produce. Two of the most common pests that damage paddy crops are white-backed plant hopper and brown plant hopper. These sap-sucking insects can cause significant yield losses if not controlled properly.
White-backed plant hopper (WBPH) is a type of leafhopper that feeds on the sap of paddy plants, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Brown plant hopper (BPH) is a sap-sucking pest that attacks the leaves and stems of paddy plants, causing the formation of hopper burn, which ultimately leads to death of the plant.
To control the infestation of these pests, farmers can use chemical and non-chemical methods.
Chemical control methods include the use of insecticides such as organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids. These insecticides should be applied early in the crop growth period when the pests are at the nymph stage, and the spraying should be repeated every two weeks until the flowering stage. However, farmers need to be cautious while using these chemicals since they are harmful to the environment and may pose a risk to human and animal health.
Non-chemical control methods include cultural, mechanical, and biological methods.
Cultural control measures involve practices such as deep plowing, proper drainage, and water management to reduce the population of the pests. Timely planting of paddy crops can also reduce the infestation of pests since the plants will grow faster, making it difficult for the pests to thrive.
Mechanical control methods involve practices such as handpicking, crushing the egg masses, and removing the affected plants. These methods are labor-intensive, but they are effective in reducing the population of pests.
Biological control methods involve the use of natural enemies such as parasitic wasps to control the pests. The use of botanical extracts such as neem oil and garlic paste has also shown promising results in reducing the population of pests.
In conclusion, control of white-backed plant hopper and brown plant hopper in paddy crop can be achieved through a range of strategies. Farmers need to adopt a holistic approach to control the infestation of pests while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals to protect the environment and human health.