Effect of Different Rice Varieties and Synthetic Insecticides on the Population Density of Rice Stem Borer Scirpiophag incertulus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

Rice stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) infest the plants from seedling to maturity, which is one of the key pests that infest the rice crop at regular intervals. It is pivotal to find out management strategies for this pest for higher production of rice. Research experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of different rice varieties and synthetic insecticides on the population density of rice stem borer. Experiments were conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) repeated three times. The results revealed that the minimum population density of dead hearts (3.50%) and white heads (7.08%) were recorded in Fakher Malakand variety, while the maximum population of dead hearts (7.89%) and white heads (13.7%) were observed in JP-5 variety. Yield analysis showed that maximum yield (2780 kg ha-1) was recorded in the Fakher Malakand variety. Data regarding the efficacy of different insecticides showed that maximum percent biological efficacy against rice stem borer (52.21%) was observed in Lambda-cyhalothrin, while minimum percent biological efficacy against rice stem borer (14.91) was recorded in Lufenuron. In case of the insecticides, minimum yield (1790 kg ha-1) was recorded in control plot, while maximum yield (1875 kg ha-1) was obtained from plots treated with Lambda-cyhalothrin. To achieve optimum production, our findings highlighted the importance of properly integrating resistant cultivars and chemical management techniques for rice stem borers