Prevalence Position of Stem Borer Species in Rice Ecosystem in Lower and Upper Sindh

Rice Ecosystem in Sindh

Abstract

Rice occupies the prime place among the World's most important food crops. More than half of the human population depend upon rice and limiting factors of stem borers is prime importance. In order to manage these pests, it is essential to understand their population fluctuations, incidence, infestation to determine authentic, easiest and economically viable strategies for stem borer management. In this regard, a field study was conducted in upper and lower Sindh in district Larkana and Badin in the south east of Pakistan for the year Kharif (autumn season) 2017 and 2018 with crop surveys carried out at maximum tillering (60 days after transplant (DAT)). The results found that four species of stem borers were prevalent across the two years, namely White stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata (Walker), Yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) Pink stem borer Sesmia inferens (Walker) and dark-headed stripped borer, Chilo polychrysus (Meyrick). Collectively results of both years White stem borer was found dominant over other species of stem borers with the higher population was recorded at crop growth stages.