Nonchemical pest control in China rice: A review

Abstract

Major pests such as blast, sheath blight, bacterial blight, plant hoppers, leaf folder, and stem borers occur in rice paddy fields. These pests cause high damage to the grain and straw yield. The application of high N fertilizer loads increases the predisposition of rice crops to be infected by pests. Many agrochemicals used to control pests lead to pest adaptation and resistance, loss of soil fertility and organic carbon, soil erosion, decreasing biodiversity, and desertification. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides unduly applied also lead to major impact on environment and food safety. Here, we review nonchemicals control methods such as genomic diversity of rice host; cultural practices; physical measures; duck, fish, and bullfrog with rice commensalism; and biogas fermentative liquid and residue. We also discuss the current progress of nonchemical control methods in China. © 2013 INRA and Springer-Verlag France.