Soil Pests Research Articles

A model to improve corn productivity and production

Purpose This paper aims to address the corn productivity and production problem under the environmental dynamics to improve the productivity and production through the use of models and scenarios. Design/methodology/approach System dynamics simulation model is implemented to develop harvested area, productivity and production models. To improve productivity and production, several scenarios have been developed by modifying the model’s structures and parameters. Findings Some factors affecting productivity include soil nutrition, planting patterns, corn quality, irrigation, technology, climate, disease and pest attacks. Corn production after land expansion and intensification depends on the harvested area, productivity and rendement. Research limitations/implications The data and information used in this study were obtained from East Java Agricultural Department. Practical implications Corn productivity after land intensification would achieve 73.68 quintals/ha as the impact of structural and non-structural approaches implementation. Corn production after land intensification and expansion would achieve 10.2 M tons in 2030. Fulfillment ratio is above 100 per cent; however, the trend continues declining due to demand growth of 5 per cent and production growth of only 2.8 per cent. Originality/value The model development provides useful directions for modelers and holistic perspective to accommodate all problem elements. The case selected in this study (East Java) can be extended to other areas. Furthermore, the practical implications can facilitate decision makers in agricultural systems to improve the land productivity and corn production.

Ecosystem service provision of grain legume and cereal intercropping in Africa

Achieving food security is challenging in Africa, a continent beset by low crop yield and soil quality, climate adversities, pests, weed infestations, and crop disease outbreaks. In this context, it is important to re-visit the resource-use efficiency and ecosystem service values of intercropping of grain legumes and cereals, a practice that has long been used by small-scale producers to mitigate the risk of crop failure and to safeguard household food availability. Despite its historical use, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding multiple aspects of intercropping, including examination of the different crop combinations on ecosystem services from agriculture. Using meta-analysis approach of land equivalent ratio (LER), a widely-accepted index to assess the efficiency of intercropping production systems, we found that intercropping of cereals with legumes resulted in an elevated LER (i.e., 1.31), regardless of species combination. A significantly greater LER than the overall LER (P < .05) was observed with the combination of maize-pigeon pea (LER = 1.57) and maize-groundnut (LER = 1.52). Increasing LER with intercropping was constant across rainfall variability, as well as in the absence of nitrogen fertilizer, which are the hallmark properties of intercropping in resource-deprived Africa. Intercropping could also reduce soil erosion, pest/weed incidence, and increase carbon sequestration by about ~46%, ~20–30%, and ~15%, respectively, compared to its sole crop control. In this comprehensive quantitative assessment of intercropping benefits across the African continent, we highlighted the provision of different ecosystem services from agroecosystems, a crucial foundation to achieving sustainable agricultural production.

Soil properties, presence of microorganisms, application dose, soil moisture and temperature influence the degradation rate of Allyl isothiocyanate in soil.

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a soil fumigant derived from plants that can effectively control soil-borne diseases. Fully understanding the impact of various factors on its degradation can contribute to its effectiveness against pests and diseases. First, orthogonal design determined the extraction method of AITC in soil, that is using ethyl acetate as the extraction reagent, vortexing for 1min as the extraction method and holding for 30min as the method time. Then we studied the effects of soil texture and environmental factors on the rate and extent of AITC degradation in soil. The half-lives of nine origins soils varied from 12.2 to 71.8h that were affected by the soil's electrical conductivity, available nitrogen, pH and organic matter content. Biotic degradation of AITC contributed significantly (68%-90%) of the total AITC degradation in six soil types. The degradation rate of AITC decreased as the initial dose of AITC increased. The degradation rate of AITC in Suihua soil generally increased with increasing temperature and soil moisture. The effect of temperature on AITC degradation was more pronounced when the soil was moist, which has practical implications for the control of soil pests and diseases. In agricultural soil, the soil's characteristics and environmental factors should be considered when determining the appropriate AITC dose suitable for soil borne disease while at the same time minimizing emissions and impact on the environment.

Local perceptions and factors determining ecosystem services identification around two forest reserves in Northern Benin

BackgroundEcosystems provide humanity with goods and services known as ecosystem services. The value of these services represents a basis for political decision-making. To be sure that these decisions are made on a valid basis, policymakers require an understanding of the biophysical processes involved. This study was carried out around two forest reserves (Alibori-Supérieur and Ouénou-Bénou) in Northern Benin. It aimed to highlight the knowledge of the surrounding communities and their perceptions about the importance of the ecosystem services provided by these forest reserves as well as the factors that influence their knowledge and perceptions.MethodsPrimary data were collected from 25 group discussions in 25 villages surrounding the forest reserves based on predefined ecosystems services of the Millennium Ecosystems Assessment (MA). Multiple linear regression models were used to examine how socio-economic characteristics of the communities influenced the ecosystem services identification rate. Perceptions of importance, levels of satisfaction, and trends of services provided were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsOur results showed that education level, poverty index, household size, and proximity to forests played an important role in the variation in knowledge of ecosystem services (P < 0.05). Provisioning services (such as crops supply, fuelwood, lumber, wild food, and medicinal plants) were mostly identified by the poorest villages located very close to the forests (P < 0.05). The importance of the provided services for well-being has been unanimously recognized. The most recognized cultural services were education and knowledge facilitation (84%) and spiritual value (76%). Climate regulation (84%) and pollination (84%) were the best-known regulating services. However, supporting services (soil formation and pest regulation) that are important for improving production systems were unknown to the communities.ConclusionEducation level, poverty index, and village proximity to the forest were important predictors of regulating and supporting services identification. But use of non-tangible services by local rural communities will require more emphasis on targeted environmental education specifically designed according to the needs of each group.

Simple mass‐rearing technique of a predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini) (Acari: Laelapidae)

AbstractWe developed a simple mass‐rearing technique for a soil‐dwelling predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer. The rearing container consists of two (inner and outer) plastic boxes. The inner box contains rice husks, and is placed inside the outer box which contains a small amount of water. This system is useful to keep high humidity within the inner box and to prevent mites escaping from the box. The prey mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae was also reared in a similar way using rice bran and provided to G. aculeifer once a week. Rearing condition within the inner box were maintained at 25 ± 1°C, 95 ± 5% relative humidity. In this double box system, G. aculeifer was rapidly grown and overpopulated within two weeks while another predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus require four weeks rearing period. This technique help farmers improve biological control efficacy of soil pests in greenhouse as well as open field cultivation.

Efficacy of soil solarization on black root rot disease and speculation on its leverage on nematodes and weeds of strawberry in Egypt

BackgroundStrawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) is an economically important crop in Egypt. Yet complex black root rot disease of strawberry caused by Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium sp. can cause considerable yield losses. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating different aspects of soil solarization against this disease. Such an evaluation would better be viewed in the context of other beneficial effects of soil solarization on nematodes and weeds.Materials/methodsGrowth agar disks, growth suspension, and resting stages of strawberry black root rot fungi were evaluated at different temperatures and exposure times using digital hot water bath. Cloth bags artificially infested with single fungal species were buried into the soil before soil solarization at soil depths of 1–10, 11–20, and 21–30 cm at three spots of each plot for each of the abovementioned fungi for 3, 6, or 9 weeks. The disease incidence and severity in solarized and un-solarized soil was compared with the application of the fungicide Actamyl. Effects of soil solarization on nematodes and weeds were also consulted.ResultsThe lethal temperature to F. solani, Pythium sp., and R. solani was 58, 58, and 56 °C, respectively when exposure time was 1 min. Chlamydospores were killed at 62 °C while sclerotia were killed at 58 °C in hot water for 1 min. Maximum soil temperature in solarized soil was raised by 15, 14, and 12 °C at depths of 1–10, 11–20, and 21–30 cm as compared with non-solarized soil. Solarization for 3, 6, and 9 weeks significantly reduced the disease incidence and severity and increased the strawberry yield. Complete reduction in total count of all tested fungi was obtained after 9 weeks at all tested depths. A review of collective soil pest and pathogen control via solarization documented its beneficial application.ConclusionThe study may exploit hot months in Egypt for soil solarization against the serious root rot disease either singly or in an integrated pest management program.

Effective methods of biofumigation: a meta-analysis

Biofumigation, the burying of Brassicaceaous plant tissues to suppress soil pests, is an increasingly practiced technique. However, the efficiency of biofumigation varies considerably and motivated our meta-analysis on the topic. We meta-analyzed data from 46 publications where 934 experiments used 363 unique controls, in order to determine effectiveness of this practice compared with untreated controls, and to identify which aspects of treatment regimens were most important for ensuring success. Biofumigation generally reduced pest abundance, reduced incidence of disease, and increased crop yield by 30% over values seen in untreated controls. Neither the plant part incorporated, nor the method used to incorporate it, were important predictors of success. Contrary to our expectations, we found no evidence that solarization was beneficial, and only treatment regimens without solarization were generally effective. While treatment regimens varied, the most effective treatment combination that we identified was the incorporation of young Eruca and Raphanus plants, with high glucosinolate concentrations, applied at high doses with short exposure times to suppress the nematode Globodera in Solanaceous plants. Each component of this regimen would likely increase the effectiveness of biofumigation efforts aimed at other soil pests.

Perceptions and outcomes of conventional vs. organic apple orchard management

Organic farming can improve soil quality and provide effective pest control with reduced inputs compared to conventional farming. Although organic and conventional farming are often viewed as dichotomous, they may overlap in pest management and soil quality goals and outcomes. Here, we assessed similarities and differences between conventional and organic apple orchards in Washington State by quantifying pesticide program risk to natural enemies, soil quality, leaf nitrogen, and abundance of woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) and its natural enemies. We also interviewed orchard owners, managers, and consultants to learn about their practices and opinions of conventional and organic management for aphids and soil quality. Organic orchards used more insecticide applications than conventional orchards, but the insecticides used were rated as less harmful to natural enemies. Conventional and organic orchards had similar soil quality, pest abundance, and natural enemy abundance. Woolly apple aphid abundance was not correlated to soil, plant, or natural enemy measurements. Interviews revealed that management goals were similar in both systems. Overall, our results suggest that both conventional and organic styles of farming are heterogenous. For example, conventional farmers may simply follow recommendations for inputs of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides or go further by using some organic or integrated practices; at the same time, organic farmers can vary in their use of organically certified pesticide sprays and ecologically based management tactics. Our study suggests that integrated management strategies that use a mix of appropriate tactics may be more important than being strictly conventional or organic to achieve superior soil and pest management outcomes.

13-Tetradecenyl acetate, a female-produced sex pheromone component of the economically important click beetle Melanotus communis (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Species-specific behavior-modifying chemicals have been used for more than 50 years for monitoring and management of insect pests of agriculture and human health. Elaterid beetle larvae are among insect pests in soil that are increasingly problematic, in part due to the lack of effective management strategies. However, little is known about the insect-produced chemicals that mediate the reproductive behavior of these pests. We used chemical and behavioral studies to identify, synthesize, and field test the sex attractant pheromone of adults of Melanotus communis, commonly called the corn wireworm, the larvae of which are economically important pests of U.S. crops. Our results indicated that a single female-produced chemical, 13-tetradecenyl acetate, was strongly attractive to conspecific male beetles, and did not appear to attract other species. In field evaluations, male M. communis exhibited a dose-dependent response to this compound. In a trial comparing different slow-release dispensers, a small rubber septum impregnated with the chemical was as effective as and easier to use than a plastic bag dispenser. Given that the sex attractant of this insect consists of a single compound that can be readily synthesized, its development for monitoring and management of the corn wireworm may be economically feasible.

Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) as an effective soil fumigant against nematodes in China.

Root-knot nematode is an important soil pest in horticulture crops and constrains the protected cultivation development after methyl bromide (MB) was phased out in China. Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) exhibits excellent efficacy against nematodes. Laboratory experiments and field trials were set up to clarify DMDS dose, efficacy, and yield. A dose-response experiment using three methods showed that DMDS presented high efficacy against the nematode Meloidogyne incongnita. The LC50 values of direct fumigation activity in the dessicator method were 0.086 and 0.070 mg L-1 for DMDS and 1,3-D, 29.865 and 18.851 mg L-1 for DMDS and 1,3-D of direct contact activity in the small tube method, 6.438 and 3.061 mg L-1 for DMDS and 1,3-D of soil fumigation activity in the soil fumigation method, respectively. The field trials indicated that DMDS showed an excellent efficacy of 80%−94% on root-knot nematode applied at 10−100 g m−2 on tomato in Tongzhou, Beijing. The crop yields showed no significant difference after applying 10–80 g m-2 DMDS. Results indicate that DMDS applied at 10 g m-2 for controlling root-knot nematode in Beijing is cost effective. In conclusion, DMDS is an excellent soil fumigant that can be used for controlling root-knot nematode and can be an potential novel alternative to MB in China.

Rebuilding Soil Ecosystems for Improved Productivity in Biosolarized Soils

Disinfecting soil can reduce or eliminate crop loss from soilborne pathogens, parasitic nematodes, and weed competition. Biosolarization combines biotoxic products from organic matter decomposition and heat from solarization. While biosolarization offers an organic option for soil pest control and avoids human and environmental health risks associated with chemical fumigants, it still has broad negative impacts on microbial communities. Quickly reestablishing these communities can be key in preventing resurgence in disease pressure and in maximizing nutrient use efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of fertilization source, N fertilization rate, and/or inoculate to rebuild an active soil ecosystem in biosolarized soils by measuring nematode community structure, microbial biomass, and C and N mineralization in soil as well as kale yield and quality. The study was conducted using potted kale grown in biosolarized soils. Treatments were bare soil, receiving no fertilization, and soils receiving two different rates of organic, composted broiler litter or mineral fertilizer. Half of the pots in each treatment received a locally sourced microbial inoculant (LEM). Among the nonfertilized treatments, the soils that received applications of LEM mineralized more nitrogen and produced higher yields. Soils that received the highest rate of compost immobilized the greatest proportion of nitrogen applied, were the most cold-tolerant, and produced the largest yields. None of the kale that received heavy mineral fertilization without LEM inoculation survived a hard freeze; however, the ones that received LEM applications were able to partially recover. We also found that kale grown with lower rates of N (50 kg·ha−1), applied as compost plus LEM, had the greatest magnesium leaf content and were more economically efficient while producing an equally abundant and nutritious food.

Nematode resistance: A useful tool for root-knot nematode (RKN) management in tomato.

Tomatoes are a major commodity in Florida, with an estimated production value of $453 million. Among the many pests and diseases that affect tomatoes, nematodes are one of the major problems. Since the ban on methyl bromide, these ubiquitous soil pests have become much more difficult to manage. This 5-page fact sheet written by Homan Regmi and Johan Desaeger and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department discusses the use of nematode-resistant tomato cultivars as a tool to help manage root-knot nematodes in Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1250

Grafting eggplant as a control method of soilborne pathogens and nematodes

Soil borne pathogens and nematodes are very destructive in vegetable crops and one of the most limiting factors to farmer's income. Soil fumigation has been an essential component of greenhouse crops since the 1960s, but according to the Montreal Protocol (1997), methyl bromide, as an ozone-depleting compound, is banned for plant protection (fumigation applications) in Romania, starting January 2005. Growing vegetables without soil fumigants has remained a challenge, in part because commercially acceptable eggplant cultivars produced through conventional breeding lack resistance to many soil borne plant pathogens. Grafting cultivars with high quality and productivity on rootstocks that are resistant to the soil pests and diseases is a method known for many years, but which was improved and quickly spread in the last years. Therefore, the objective of the research was to evaluate the performance of the eggplant grafting on some rootstocks, in greenhouse conditions. The study was carried out in the experimental greenhouse of the Horting Institute from Bucharest. Data obtained in the combinations scion/rootstock were compared with data recorded from plants not grafted. Disease incidence, disease severity and the attack degree of soilborne disease and pest were determined and calculated in the experimental variants. The grafting process led to significant reduction in the incidence of attack produced by soil borne disease (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melongenae, Pyrenochaeta lycopersici) and nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita).

Compatibility between entomopathogenic nematodes and crop protection products used in maize seed treatment

Chemical insecticides are widely used to control soil pests but not always effective. Entomopathogenic nematodes (NEPs) are found in the soil and depend on host insects to complete their life cycle, and therefore have the potential to control soil pests. Thus, we aimed to investigate the possible joint use of these control methods by assessing the compatibility of two nematodes (Heterorhabditis amazonensis GL and Heterorhabditis amazonensis MC01) with five crop protection products used for maize seed treatment (Maxim®, Cruiser 350 FS®, Fortenza 600 FS®, Avicta 500 FS®, and Amulet®), as well as one neem-based product (NeenMax®). The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates, six treatments, and one control, in which only distilled water was added to nematode suspension. Each replicate consisted of a test tube containing 1 mL suspension with 2,000 infective juveniles (IJs) and 1 mL of diluted product, following the manufacturer's recommendation. The evaluated parameters were viability, infectivity on Tenebrio molitor larvae and IJs production after exposure to products. Both nematodes were compatible with NeenMax® and Fortenza 600 FS® since they did not differ from the control and were classified as innocuous. Cruiser 350 FS ® was also compatible with the nematodes since the effect value of the product was lower than 30%. Amulet® was classified as slightly noxious, reducing H. amazonensis MC01 and H. amazonensis GL infectivity by 17.5% and 28.5%, and production by 18.2% and 22.3%, respectively. Despite not having reduced viability, Avicta 500 FS® and Maxim® were considered harmful. This is because Avicta 500 FS® and Maxim® reduced productivity by 70.0% and 72.5% and production by 66.1% and 65.4% for H. amazonensis MC01, respectively. For H. amazonensis MC01, both Avicta 500 FS® and Maxim® reduced infectivity by 76.19%, and production by 63.7% and 62.3%, respectively.

Control efficacy of fungus gnat, Bradysia impatiens, enhanced by a combination of entomopathogenic nematodes and predatory mites

Fungus gnat, Bradysia impatiens, is a serious soil pest of seedlings of various crops in the greenhouse and also in mushroom nurseries. Control with chemical pesticides may not be suitable because infestation mostly occurs indoors. Here, we determined the control efficacy of two biological agents: entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and predatory mites, and investigated whether the combined treatments of these two agents improved the control efficacy of B. impatiens. Mortalities of various stages of B. impatiens maggots were determined in single treatments of two species of EPNs, Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema carpocapsae, and two species of predatory mites, Androlaelaps casalis and Stratiolaelaps scimitus. EPNs were more effective in controlling the older larvae of B. impatiens and the effect was higher with H. indica than with S. carpocapsae. Predatory mites were more effective in controlling the younger larvae of B. impatiens and the effect was higher with S. scimitus than with A. casalis. Furthermore, the control efficacy was increased by the combination of EPNs and predatory mites, when compared with the single treatments. Particularly, the combination of H. indica and S. scimitus was higher than that of H. indica and A. casalis. Therefore, the combination of H. indica and S. scimitus can be used to improve the control efficacy of B. impatiens.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: A Review

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been evident in the agricultural sector recently. The sector faces numerous challenges in order to maximize its yield including improper soil treatment, disease and pest infestation, big data requirements, low output, and knowledge gap between farmers and technology. The main concept of AI in agriculture is its flexibility, high performance, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a review of the applications of AI in soil management, crop management, weed management and disease management. A special focus is laid on the strength and limitations of the application and the way in utilizing expert systems for higher productivity.

Changes in Soil Pest Populations Caused by Sugarcane Straw Removal in Brazil

The adoption of green cane harvesting system without burning has triggered the increase of pest infestations in sugarcane fields. This makes straw removal a promising alternative for pest control in sugarcane fields. However, further research is needed to understand the impacts of straw removal on pest infestation under field conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of root spittlebug (Mahanarva fimbriolata) and sphenophorus (Sphenophorus levis) under different rates of straw removal and contrasting edaphoclimatic conditions in the Sao Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Eight field experiments were conducted throughout the sugarcane cropping cycle (two crop seasons) and were arranged in a randomized block design with four replicates. The experimental design included four straw removal rates: total removal, low removal, high removal, and no removal. The incidence of pests was evaluated during September and March (spring/summer seasons in the Southern Hemisphere) for root spittlebug and April to August (autumn/winter) for sphenophorus populations. Straw removal reduced root spittlebug infestation and this effect was more evident in clayey soils. The incidence of root spittlebug was three times higher in clayey soils compared to sandy soils. Straw removal did not influence sphenophorus population but reduced damages in sugarcane plants especially in clayey soils. The damage caused by sphenophorus was three times higher in clayey than in sandy soils. This study emphasizes that straw removal by itself is not a feasible strategy to control the root spittlebug and sphenophorus infestations in sugarcane cultivated areas of Brazil, thus an integrated management strategy should be a high priority.

Determination of Diazinon in fruit samples using electrochemical sensor based on carbon nanotubes modified carbon paste electrode

Abstract A carbon paste electrode is modified with carbon nanotubes. That's application for voltammetric detection of Diazinon (DZN) is reported in this study. Pesticides are meant to destroy the pests and are classified into different groups. The presence of pests residues impact our health and cause several health issues such as skin and nerves system diseases. Diazinon(oo-diethyl-o-(2-isopropyl-6methyipyrimidin-4-yl)-momothiophosphate) (DZN) is one of the most common organophosphate pesticides (Ops) that are extensively used for control pests in soil, on plants, fruits, and vegetable pests. The electrochemical behavior of CNT/CPE was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The chemical parameters influencing the response are optimized for detection of DZN. These are pH value, amount of modifier and scan rate. The fabricated electrochemical sensor displayed a linear and sensitive response to DZN within the concentration range of 1 × 10−10 to 6 × 10−8 M. The detection limit found to be 4.5 × 10−10. This sensor was successfully used to determine DZN in food samples.

The crop of grafted peppers, an alternative – concerning the yield and quality – for vegetable growers

Soil fumigation has been an essential component of greenhouse crops since the 1960s. Growing vegetables without soil fumigants has remained a challenge, in part because commercially acceptable pepper cultivars produced through conventional breeding lack resistance to many soil borne plant pathogens. In field production, crop rotation is important to prevent infestation of diseases and pests. However, crop rotation is rarely practiced in greenhouse production, which allows soil borne pathogens and pests to accumulate, progressively reducing crop yields and fruit quality. Grafting cultivars with high quality and productivity on rootstocks that are resistant to the soil pests and diseases is a method known from years ago, which was improved and quickly spread in the last years. The aim of this research was to evaluate the performance of grafted peppers on some rootstocks, in greenhouse conditions. Marketable yield, fruit quality and nutritional qualities (total soluble solids contents, titratable acidity, soluble carbohydrates, vitamin C content) have been determined. The marketable yield and fruit number were positively influenced by rootstock compared with ungrafted peppers. The obtained results showed that grafting has improved the commercial quality of pepper fruits. There were no significant differences on the nutritional qualities of fruits peppers coming from the grafted or ungrafted plants.

An Analysis of Technical Efficiency and Determinants of Rice Production Efficiency in Takeo Province, Cambodia

Rice is the main staple crop and one of the major sources of living for farmers in Cambodia. However, rice production in the country faces many problems such as poor farming practices, unavailable good seeds, destroyed irrigation systems, poor soil fertility, improper insect and pest management, drought and inefficient use of available technologies. These problems cause to reduce rice productivity in Cambodia. Farm efficiency has been related to resource use efficiency and achievement of higher productivity. The main purpose of this study was to estimate technical efficiency level and to identify the factors influencing the efficiency levels of rice production in Cambodia. In this study, the data used were based on a direct interview survey of 80 randomly selected rice farm households in the 2016 production year in Tram Kak and Kiri Vong districts of Takeo province, Cambodia. An input-orientation data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to examine technical efficiency scores and Tobit regression model was used to identify the factors influencing efficiency levels of rice production. The study result revealed that the average technical efficiency of farmers in the study area was 0.67, whereas rice producers could reduce their input costs by 33% while holding the same production level. Four factors were found influencing the efficiency levels of rice production. The Tobit regression model estimated that the factors including sex of family head, the main occupation of the family head and the number of rice growing times were found to positively influence technical efficiency, whereas the type of seeds planted/ variety was found to negatively influence technical efficiency. This result suggests that the policy-makers should pay more attention to technical training, providing financial support and strengthening the research institutions responsible for seed production and multiplication for farmers to increase their technical efficiency in rice production.