Stem borer, scientifically known as Scirpophaga incertulas, is a major pest affecting the paddy crop. They cause extensive damage to the stems of the rice plant by burrowing through and feeding on them, leading to reduced yields and even complete crop loss. Control of stem borer in paddy crop is therefore crucial for successful rice cultivation.
Here are some important information about controlling stem borer in paddy crop:
Cultural Control: This involves certain practices that discourage the presence and spread of stem borer in the paddy crop. One of such practices is crop rotation. Growing other crops, such as legumes or vegetables, can break the cycle of stem borer infestation. Another practice is the use of trap crops, such as maize or sorghum, that attract the pests away from the rice plants.
Biological Control: This involves the use of natural enemies of the stem borer to keep their population under control. One of the most effective natural enemies is the parasitic wasp, Tryporyza incertulas. These wasps lay their eggs in the eggs or larvae of the stem borer, causing them to die. Other natural enemies include spiders, birds, and frogs.
Chemical Control: This involves the use of pesticides to control the population of stem borers in the paddy crop. However, it should be used only as a last resort, and only after consultation with experts. The appropriate pesticides should be chosen and used at the recommended dose and time. Precautions should be taken to avoid harming beneficial insects, as well as the environment and the human health.
Some of the preventive measures that can be taken include early transplanting of the rice seedlings which will result in more well-grown plants that are better able to resist stem borer attacks. Another is weed management that will remove plant hosts and habitats for the stem borer. Other measures include inter-cropping and maintaining field hygiene by removing crop residue after harvest.
In conclusion, control of stem borer in paddy crop require a combination of cultural, biological and chemical methods. Ultimately, preventive measures are consistently the best bet for reducing the population of this pest and saving the rice crop. By paying attention to these, farmers can ensure higher yields and maximize their profits.