Status of Biological Control in Rice Insect Pest Management

Abstract

Rice is the staple food of over half the world’s population and is grown over about 145 million hectares. Classified primarily as a tropical and subtropical crop, it is cultivated as far north as 49° and as far south as 35°, and from sea level to altitude of 3000 metres (Pathak, 1977). Rice is one of the main cereal crops of India and is grown in 40.2 million hectares with an annual production of 143.4 million tonnes (Singh, 1997). One of the main reason for the low production of rice is the pest problems associated with the crop. More than hundred insect pests are known to attack rice crop during different growth stages, of which about twenty have major significance. Introduction and extension of area under high yielding varieties and use of higher doses of fertilizers have altered, the status of these pests in paddy. In order to reduce pest population and resulting plant damage, several methods are known but due to easiness in application farmers prefer to apply synthetic insecticides. However, repeated and frequent application of modern synthetic insecticide has created problems of pest resurgence and outbreak, insecticide residues, development of insecticide resistant strains, phytotoxicity and hazards to non target species including natural enemies (NE) and other beneficial organisms, alteration in pest species population dynamics, environmental degradation and disruption of natural balance. In view of these drawbacks associated with over-reliance on chemical control, the concept of integrated pest management (IPM), which combines all possible manners in a compatible and harmonious manner has gained prominence.