As one of the most important staple crops in the world, rice plays a crucial role in feeding billions of people worldwide. However, rice production is often threatened by various pests and diseases, including the whitebacked plant hopper and brown plant hopper. These two pests pose a serious threat to rice production, causing significant yield losses and economic damage to rice farmers worldwide. To effectively control these pests, it is essential to have accurate information on their biology, behavior, and appropriate management strategies.
Whitebacked Plant Hopper (WBPH)
The whitebacked plant hopper is a major pest in rice production, causing direct feeding damage to rice plants, as well as transmitting disease-causing viruses. They typically attack the rice plant stem base, which leads to yellowing of leaves, stunting of plant growth, and even death of the plant. Their feeding damage reduces the plant’s ability to produce grains, leading to yield losses of 20-60%.
Management Strategies for WBPH
There are various strategies that can be employed to manage whitebacked plant hoppers. Firstly, planting of resistant varieties of rice is crucial in managing the pest. Secondly, cultural methods such as the use of clean planting material, crop rotation, and timely transplanting can also be effective in controlling plant hopper populations. Chemical control using insecticides should be used as a last resort, and can be effective in reducing hopper populations when used correctly. It’s important to use recommended insecticides at appropriate rates and timings in treating infested rice crops.
Brown Plant Hopper (BPH)
The brown plant hopper (BPH) is another major pest in rice, causing economic damage to rice farmers worldwide. Unlike the whitebacked plant hopper, BPH is highly mobile and feeds on the vascular tissues of rice plants. The pest also transmits plant viruses and can cause significant yield losses of up to 80% in some regions.
Management Strategies for BPH
BPH is a more serious pest than WBPH, hence there is need for prompt action in managing the pest. Similar to WBPH, planting resistant varieties of rice is crucial in managing the pest. Cultural methods such as timely transplantation, crop residue management, drainage ditches, and biotic controls are also effective in controlling plant hopper populations. Insecticides are also effective in controlling BPH populations, however they must be used with care, as the pest can quickly develop resistance to insecticides.
Conclusively, the control of pests such as the whitebacked plant hopper and brown plant hopper in paddy is an important aspect of rice production and requires a holistic approach that includes the use of resistant rice varieties, cultural practices, and appropriate use of chemicals. By understanding the behavior of these pests and implementing effective control measures, rice farmers can limit their economic losses and contribute to global food security.