As one of the most important staple crops, rice’s production is threatened by a variety of pests and diseases. One such pest is the stem borer, which can cause significant damage to rice fields if not properly controlled. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to control stem borer in paddy/rice.
Identification of stem borer:
Stem borer larvae bore into rice plants, causing significant damage and reducing yields. Adults of yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) and white stem borer (Chilo polychrysus) emerge when rice crop matures after 45 to 55 days of transplanting the crop. So, It’s essential to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of stem borer infestation. Look for small holes on the rice stem, brown or yellowing patches on the leaves, a wilting of the whole plant or death of the plant. Adult moths can also be found flying around the fields during the early morning hours.
Control measures for stem borer:
1. Proper crop management: Proper crop management can help prevent stem borer infestations, healthy soil, and ensures a healthy rice crop. Legumes such as cowpeas, mung beans, and soybeans, which attract beneficial insects, should be grown as a companion crop.
2. Cultural Practices: Keep fields, canals, and ditches clean to reduce the chances of pests like stem borers laying eggs in your field. Clean cultivation practices such as tillage can bury stem borer pupae deep in the soil, decreasing its survival rate.
3. Use of Natural Predators: Employing natural predators is a reliable method to control pests like stem borer. Parasitic wasps and spiders are natural predators that prey on the eggs and larvae of stem borers. Attracting birds that feed on insects can also be beneficial.
4. Trapping Moths: Pheromone traps can help in monitoring the moth population, which helps in knowing the peak emergence period to time chemical sprays to kill eggs and prevent larvae emergence.
5. Use of Chemicals: In cases where natural control measures are unable to keep a stem borer infestation in check enough to limit the damage, chemical control measures become necessary. Insecticides such as carbofuran and chlorpyrifos have been used successfully to control stem borers.
In conclusion, preventing the spread of stem borer in paddy/rice requires proper identification, cultural practices such as clean cultivation, the use of natural predators, and chemical control measures when necessary. An integrated pest management approach that combines several of these methods can also be very effective in preventing stem borer infestation and ensuring yield stability.