Efficacy of different chemical and botanical pesticides against rice Ear Head Bug (Leptocorisa acuta Thunberg, Hemiptera: Alydidae) in rice Superzone, Nepal

Abstract

Rice, a staple crop for over half the world's population, plays a crucial role in global food security. However, the rice ear head bug (Leptocorisa acuta), a major pest, causes significant yield losses by feeding on developing grains, reducing their quality and quantity. This field trial, conducted from February 16 to June 12, 2024, at the Rice Superzone in Baniyani, Jhapa, Nepal evaluated the efficacy of various chemical and botanical pesticides for managing the rice ear head bug. The experiment comprised seven treatments and three replications, incorporating both chemical and botanical interventions. Imidacloprid 17.8% SL emerged as the most effective treatment, yielding a significant reduction in bug populations post-spray, achieving a high yield of 5.79 tons ha-1, and resulting in the highest number of filled grains per panicle (115.57) with minimal unfilled grains (31.03). In comparison, untreated control plots exhibited the lowest yield, highest bug populations, and greater crop damage. This study highlights Imidacloprid's potential for effective pest control and productivity enhancement in rice cultivation. Future research could explore integrating botanical pesticides, such as Multineem and Bakaino-based options, with chemical treatments to promote sustainable pest management practices while maintaining crop yields.

Keywords

• Imidacloprid 17.8% SL
• Pest management
• Rice ear head bug
• Rice yield
• Sustainable pest management

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