Major Insect Pests in Rice Crop and Their Effective Control Measures

 Learn about the major insect pests attacking rice crops in India, how to identify them, and the best biological and chemical methods for controlling them.

Introduction: Why Pest Control is Crucial in Rice Farming

Rice is a staple food crop for more than half the world’s population, with India being one of the largest producers and consumers. However, rice farming faces a serious challenge in the form of pest infestations. Insect pests not only reduce the quantity and quality of grain but also lead to severe economic losses for farmers.

Timely identification and control of these pests can save crops and increase yields significantly. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the major pests in rice cultivation, their symptoms, life cycles, and integrated pest management strategies that farmers can adopt.

                                                                           

Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)

Identification

• Yellowing and drying of the central shoot in young plants (dead heart)

• White, empty panicles during flowering stage (white head)

• Larvae bore into the stem and feed on internal tissues

Life Cycle

• Female moth lays eggs in clusters on leaves

• Larvae bore into tillers and feed inside

• One generation completes in 30–40 days

Control Measures

• Cultural: Synchronized planting, removal of stubble, maintaining water level

• Biological: Release of Trichogramma japonicum @ 50,000/ha

• Chemical: Chlorpyrifos 20% EC @ 2 ml/liter or Cartap Hydrochloride 50 SP @ 1 g/liter

                                                                        

Leaf Folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis)

Identification

• Leaves fold longitudinally

• Larvae feed inside the folded leaves by scraping green tissues

• Affected leaves appear white or dry

Life Cycle

• Eggs laid singly on leaves

• Larvae pupate inside folded leaves

• Lifecycle: 20–25 days

Control Measures

• Biological: Neem oil spray @ 5 ml/liter; Trichogramma chilonis

• Mechanical: Use of light traps and yellow sticky traps

• Chemical: Profenophos 50 EC @ 2 ml/liter or Lambda Cyhalothrin @ 1 ml/liter

                                                                           

Brown Plant Hopper (Nilaparvata lugens)

Identification

• Insects gather at the base of plants and suck sap

• Causes hopper burn; plants dry from base to top

• Prefers humid and nitrogen-rich fields

Life Cycle

• Eggs laid in leaf sheaths

• Nymphs resemble adults but are wingless

• Lifecycle: 15–20 days

Control Measures

• Cultural: Avoid excessive nitrogen; maintain proper spacing

• Biological: Release of predators like mirid bugs

• Chemical: Imidacloprid 17.8% SL @ 0.3 ml/liter or Buprofezin 25 SC @ 1 ml/liter

                                                                        

Gall Midge (Orseolia oryzae)

Identification

• Formation of silvery shoots instead of panicles

• Affected tillers produce no grains

Life Cycle

• Eggs laid on leaf sheaths

• Maggots enter shoot and form galls

• Lifecycle: 21–25 days

Control Measures

• Cultural: Timely sowing, stubble removal

• Biological: Use of resistant varieties like CR Dhan 800

• Chemical: Carbofuran 3G @ 10 kg/acre or Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.3 ml/liter

                                                                         

Green Leaf hopper (Nephotettix virescens)

Identification

• Small green insects

• Transmit Tungro virus

• Yellowing and stunting of plants

Control Measures

• Biological: Encourage spiders and frogs

• Chemical: Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.2 g/liter or Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.3 g/liter

                                                                                

Rice Hispa (Dicladispa armigera)

Identification

• Metallic blue beetle with spines

• Scrapes green tissues from leaf surface

• Leaves appear white and dry

Control Measures

• Cultural: Early sowing, removal of alternate hosts

• Biological: Neem-based sprays

• Chemical: Cypermethrin 10 EC @ 1 ml/liter

                                                                            

Caseworm (Nymphula depunctalis)

Identification

• Larvae cut leaves and form cases

• Float on water and feed on submerged leaves

Control Measures

• Cultural: Drain water intermittently

• Mechanical: Collection and destruction of cases

• Chemical: Quinalphos 25 EC @ 2 ml/liter

                                                                       

White Backed Plant Hopper (Sogatella furcifera)

Identification

• Similar to BPH but with white band

• Found on the lower stem, suck plant sap

Control Measures

• Biological: Maintain predator population

• Chemical: Buprofezin 25 SC @ 1 ml/liter or Pymetrozine 50 WG @ 0.3 g/liter

                                                                             

Armyworms (Mythimna separata)

Identification

• Larvae feed at night

• Shred leaves completely in patches

Control Measures

• Biological: Bird perches, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

• Chemical: Lambda-cyhalothrin @ 0.75 ml/liter

                                                                            

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Rice

IPM is a combination of cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical practices that ensures effective pest control with minimal environmental damage.

Key IPM Components

• Seed treatment with Trichoderma and Pseudomonas

• Use of light and pheromone traps

• Regular field monitoring

• Conservation of natural enemies

• Need-based chemical control

Regional Pest Trends in India

RegionMajor PestsSeason

Eastern IndiaStem Borer, Gall MidgeKharif

Southern IndiaCaseworm, BPHKharif & Rabi

Northern IndiaLeaf Folder, Green LeafhopperSummer

North-East IndiaHispa, ArmywormMonsoon

                                                                                    

Government Schemes & Support

• PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana): Insurance for pest-affected crops

• Subsidies: On biopesticides, traps, sprayers

• KVK Advisory Services: Local expert guidance

• Mobile Apps: Kisan Suvidha, AgriApp for real-time alerts

Conclusion: Empower Farmers, Protect Crops

Rice pest control isn't just about chemicals — it's about knowledge, timing, and integrated techniques. With growing awareness and support systems in place, Indian farmers can mitigate losses and ensure sustainable farming.

🌾 A protected paddy field means a prosperous farmer.

suggested reading

1.Weather-Based Crop Advisory: Smart Farming with Climate Insights

2.Irrigation Techniques and Water Management in Indian Agriculture

3.IRRI – Rice Knowledge Bank (Pest Management Section)