Effect of Low-Input Management on Pest Damage to Rice (<i>Oryza Sativa</i> L) Under Natural Infestation in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Seven rice lines, selected for their good performance under Low-input management condition, were studied under low and high-input management conditions in Umudike in Abia State and Uyo in Akwa-Ibom State , to establish the effect of low-input management on diseases and pests of rice under natural infection and infestation in the humid zone of Southeastern Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on leaf blast, glume discoloration, brown leaf spot, kernel smut, and stem borer infestations under both low and high-input management conditions. Glume discoloration was most severe under zero fertilizer rate. However, there were no clear trends in the attack by diseases and insect pests based on management levels. Damage level by insects were not significantly different under low-input and high-input management conditions and infection levels by diseases were also not significantly different under low-input and high-input conditions. Therefore low-input cannot be said to aggravate pest infestation or disease infection in rice. Keywords: Low-input, High-input, management, diseases, insect pests and rodents.Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences Vol. 5 (1) 2007: pp. 1-10