Rice stem borer is one of the most common pests of paddy crops in India. Understanding its identification and life cycle is important for timely pest management. Female moths are larger with a black spot. At the same time, males are smaller and lack the spot. They lay eggs that hatch into larvae, then develop into pupae before becoming adult moths.
Symptoms of Stem Borer in Rice
The most visible symptom of rice stemborer is a cluster of brown eggs near the leaf tips.The larvae penetrate the central shoot, resulting in drying of the shoot, known as 'dead heart'. In mature plants, infestation dries out the panicle, called 'white ear'.
Preventive Measures
- Spray neem seed kernel extract or neem oil as an effective preventive measure.
- Clip affected seedling tips before transplantation to remove egg masses.
- Follow up with a suitable stem borer insecticide for better control.
Chemical Control for Stem Borer in Rice
- Virtako Insecticide is a granular formulation with dual action against pests. It provides longer crop protection. It is safe for the environment, supports better yield, and causes no stunted growth.
- Active ingredients: Chlorantraniliprole 0.5% + Thiamethoxam 1% GR
- Recommended dosage: 2.5 kg per acre at 20-30 DAT during the vegetative or tillering stage.
- Cover Insecticide is an anthranilic diamide and acts on the ryanodine receptors of insects. It works by contact, but is more effective through ingestion of sprayed plant material.
- Active ingredients: Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR
- Recommended dosage: 4 kg per acre.
- Koranda Insecticide is a synthetic pyrethroid with contact and systemic action, effective against a broad spectrum of insects and particularly lepidopteran pests.
- Active ingredients: Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC.
- Recommended dosage: 400 ml per acre or 2 ml per litre of water.
- Alanto Insecticide is a neonicotinoid class that is stable under sunlight and rain, stays on the leaf surface for extended effect, and penetrates the leaf to disrupt the insect's nervous system.
- Active ingredients: Thiacloprid 21.7% SC
- Recommended dosage: 2 ml per litre of water.
Conclusion
Several insecticides are available for effective paddy stem borer pest management. For more crop-related information, visit https://www.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on toll-free number 1800 3000 2434.
Note: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions regarding pesticide use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is rice stem borer and how does it damage paddy crops?
Rice stem borer is a moth pest whose larvae bore into the central shoot of paddy plants. In young plants this causes 'dead heart'; in mature plants it leads to 'white ear', both causing significant yield loss.
Q2. How do I identify stem borer infestation in my paddy field?
Look for clusters of brown eggs near leaf tips. As larvae penetrate the shoot, the central leaf dries out (dead heart). In the later stage, the panicle turns white and dry (white ear).
Q3. At what stage should stem borer insecticide be applied in rice?
Granular insecticides like Virtako are best applied at 20–30 DAT (days after transplanting) during the vegetative or tillering stage for maximum effectiveness.
