Stem Borer Infestation Research Articles

Effect of refugia plant (Zinnia sp.) population on the presence of stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata Walker) and natural enemies in rice

Abstract. Olsiviana, Yassi A, Melina. 2024. Effect of refugia plant (Zinnia sp.) population on the presence of stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata Walker) and natural enemies in rice. Biodiversitas 25: 2652-2660. This study supports biological control by preserving natural enemies in rice cultivation through habitat modification. The research aimed to analyze the effects of different population levels of refugia (Zinnia sp.) on pest attack rates, the presence and diversity of natural enemies of rice stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata Walker 1863), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. The study was designed using a Randomized Group Design (RGD) with four population treatment levels: control (no Zinnia sp.), sparse population (32 polybags of Zinnia sp.), medium population (96 polybags of Zinnia sp.), and dense population (160 polybags of Zinnia sp.). The results showed that the dense population (160 polybags of Zinnia sp.) produced the lowest stem borer infestation rate in the eighth week of observation (1.67%). Pests in all treatments belonged to four orders: Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera, with Hemiptera being the most prevalent. Natural enemies of rice pests belonged to three orders: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Orthoptera. The dense population treatment (160 polybags of Zinnia sp.) yielded the highest values for diversity index (H') at 2.1785, species richness index (R) at 2.1837, and evenness index (E) at 0.9915. This treatment also achieved the highest average rice production at 8.64 tons/ha. Meanwhile, the highest dominance value (C) of 0.2489 was found in the control treatment. Thus, this study supports the idea that increasing the population of Zinnia sp. as a refugia plant can increase the diversity of natural enemies, reduce rice stem borer infestation, and increase rice plant production.

Ketahanan Varietas Padi terhadap Hama Penggerek Batang (Scirpophaga sp.) di Kampung Telaga Sari Kabupaten Merauke

The rice stem borer (Scirpophaga sp.) is a significant pest of rice plants, causing substantial yield losses. This study aimed to assess the growth response of seven rice varieties to stem borer (Scirpophaga sp.) infestation. The research was conducted in Kampung Telaga Sari, Kurik District, Merauke Regency, from October 2022 to January 2023. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven varieties and three replications per trial. The varieties tested were Inpari 32, Inpari 42, Cakrabuana, Siam-siam, CL 220, Sertani, and Mekongga. Each treatment was replicated three times, resulting in 21 experimental plots, each measuring 3 x 3 m² with a planting distance of 20 x 20 cm, comprising 50 plants per plot. The research findings indicated significant differences in stem borer damage intensity at the 0.01 level of significance. The highest average attack intensity was observed in the Inpari 32 variety (5.44%), while the lowest average attack intensity was found in the Cakrabuana variety (2%).

Prospecting for fine scale establishment of exotic stem borer pupal parasitoid (Xanthopimpla stemmator Thunberg) in Kenya

Lepidopteran stem borers are an important constraint to cereal production in Sub- Saharan Africa. The exotic Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) is one of the most economically important stem borer pest causing extensive losses on cereal crops in Kenya. This pest has also displaced indigenous species of stem borers while expanding its range in warm, mid and high altitude areas. In order to exert control on various developmental stages of this pest, both Cotesia flavipes Cameron (larval endoparasitoid) and Xanthopimpla stemmator Thunberg (pupal endoparasitoid) were imported and released in 2002 in the Eastern region of Kenya. This study was conducted to assess the establishment status, spread and impact of X. stemmator on C. partellus following its release in Kenya. Stem borer sampling was done on farms where the biocontrol agents had been released and on transects radiating outwards from them every 15km to assess spread. A total of 100 maize plants were inspected for stem borer infestation and destructive sampling done on 10 maize stems per farm to collect immature stem borer stages. Emerging parasitoids and adult moths were identified, counted and recorded. Results of this study showed that C. partellus was the most dominant stem borer species (constituted 71.2%) followed by Sesemia calamistis and Busseola fusca (26.0 and 2.8% respectively). A decrease in overall stem borer infestation (22.47±7.42%) with no significant difference across distances from parasitoid release points (F=0.4; df=3, 51; p>0.05) was also recorded. Seven parasitoid species were recovered, the most abundant being C. flavipes and this coupled with a significant increase in parasitism (25.27±3.27%) (V=1213, p˂0.05) from pre-release levels. The parasitoid of interest, X. stemmator was not recovered. This suggests a failure to establish though there is need to sample alternative hosts before this is declared. Key words: Classical biological control, lepidoptera, pupal parasitoid, post release survey, Xanthopimpla stemmator, Eastern Kenya

Multiomics-assisted characterization of rice-Yellow Stem Borer interaction provides genomic and mechanistic insights into stem borer resistance in rice.

By deploying a multi-omics approach, we unraveled the mechanisms that might help rice to combat Yellow Stem Borer infestation, thus providing insights and scope for developing YSB resistant rice varieties. Yellow Stem Borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major pest of rice, that can lead to 20-60% loss in rice production. Effective management of YSB infestation is challenged by the non-availability of adequate sources of resistance and poor understanding of resistance mechanisms, thus necessitating studies for generating resources to breed YSB resistant rice and to understand rice-YSB interaction. In this study, by using bulk-segregant analysis in combination with next-generation sequencing, Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) intervals in five rice chromosomes were mapped that could be associated with YSB resistance at the vegetative phase in a resistant rice line named SM92. Further, multiple SNP markers that showed significant association with YSB resistance in rice chromosomes 1, 5, 10, and 12 were developed. RNA-sequencing of the susceptible and resistant lines revealedseveral genes present in the candidate QTL intervals to be differentially regulated upon YSB infestation. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed a putative candidate gene that was predicted to encode an alpha-amylase inhibitor. Analysis of the transcriptome and metabolite profiles further revealed a possible link between phenylpropanoid metabolism and YSB resistance. Taken together, our study provides deeper insights into rice-YSB interaction and enhances the understanding of YSB resistance mechanism. Importantly, a promising breeding line and markers for YSB resistance have been developed that can potentially aid in marker-assisted breeding of YSB resistance among elite rice cultivars.

Farmers’ Perceptions of Maize Production Constraints and the Effects of Push–Pull Technology on Soil Fertility, Pest Infestation, and Maize Yield in Southwest Ethiopia

This study aimed to analyze farmers’ perceptions of maize production constraints and determine the effects of push–pull technology (PPT) on crop yield, pest control, and improving soil fertility status. Increasing fertilizer prices and pesticide prices, FAWs (fall armyworms) and stemborers, declining soil fertility, and drought are the main maize production constraints in the area. Seventy percent of the respondents indicated that an increase in input prices such as those of fertilizer and seeds is the major constraint in the area, while FAWs (55%) and stemborers (44.3%) were ranked the third and fourth major constraints. About 67% of farmers reported that stemborer damage to maize in PPT plots was either minimal or non-existent. Fifty-five percent of farmers stated that the damage caused to maize by FAWs was low or that there was no damage in PPT plots. PPT reduced stem borer infestation from 83% to 44%. The yield gained from PPT plots ranged from 18% to 31%. Soil samples taken from PPT plots showed improved soil organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity.

Efficacy of Different Concentrations of Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) on Maize Stem Borer Infestation

Maize stem borer (Chilo Partellus), poses a substantial threat to maize crops all over the world, causing damage that ranges from 26.7% to 80.4%. Its destructive impact includes killing the shoot in young plants, leading to a “dead heart,” and damaging the upper stem in older plants through boring activity. To combat this issue, a field experiment evaluated various insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as Lufenuron®, Pyriproxyfen®, Sitara®, Viper®, Track®, and Priority®. These IGRs, known as reduced-risk pesticides, target pest juveniles and are less harmful to beneficial insects. Conducted through a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 24 treatments, excluding a control group, the study recorded maize stem borer populations at 3, 7, and 14 days post-IGR application. In conclusion, the study identifies pyriproxyfen® and Priority® at double the standard concentrations as highly effective insect growth regulators in mitigating maize stem borer infestations, offering promising avenues for enhanced pest control strategies in maize cultivation.

Intercropping Maize-Faba Bean Reduced Yield and Economic Losses Caused by Busseola fusca (Fuller) in Semiarid Area.

Intercropping is an important practice for controlling crop pests in Ethiopia. However, there is a limited studies on the maize-faba bean intercropping benefits for controlling stemborer (Busseola fusca) pests. This study was carried out at Wukro Agricultural College, Tigray, Ethiopia, to investigate the effects of maize intercrops with two faba bean varieties (Gora and Moti) at three different population levels (25%, 50%, and 75%) of the recommended sole faba bean (250,000 plants ha-1) on infestation, density, and damage of stemborer on maize. The intercrops significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the stemborer infestation, density, and damage on maize over to the sole maize. Maize intercrops with the Gora faba bean variety at a density of 50% lowered the pest damage on maize cobs by 35% relative to the sole maize. The intercrop also reduced the grain yield and economic losses due to the pest by 48% and 53%, respectively, compared to the sole maize. The results recommended that maize intercropped with the Gora faba bean variety at a density of 50% could be used as an alternative farming against stemborer pest in the semiarid farming systems of northern Ethiopia.

CROP ROTATIONAL EFFECTS ON INFESTATION OF STEM BORERS IN RICE

The present study investigates the impact of crop rotation on the infestation of stem borers in rice crops. This research was carried out in the field at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Agricultural College Dokri, Sindh, Pakistan. Several rotation practices were tested, including Rice fallow Rice, Rice-Wheat-Rice, Rice-Gram-Rice, Rice-Barseem-Rice, and Rice-Mustard-Rice. The results of the study revealed interesting findings. The lowest infestation rate, approximately 1.92% of rice stem borers, was observed in the Rice-Barseem-Rice rotation. This was followed by Rice-Mustard-Rice at 2.18%, Rice-Gram-Rice at 2.40% and Rice-Wheat-Rice at 3.21%. In contrast, the highest infestation rate, reaching 4.99%, was recorded in the Rice-fallow-Rice rotation system. These findings suggest that incorporating winter rotation crops such as Mustard, Barseem, and Gram into the cropping system can significantly reduce the population density of rice stem borers. On the contrary, mono-cropping, as exemplified by the Rice-fallow-Rice rotation, appears to favor stem borer infestations. In light of these results, it is recommended that further research and understanding be developed to implement cultural control methods and ensure ecological safety within winter crop rotation systems. This study underscores the importance of diversified crop rotation practices in mitigating the infestation of harmful pests like rice stem borers, contributing to sustainable agriculture and higher crop yields.

Study on population dynamics of yellow stem borer infestation and its correlation with weather parameters under staggered planting conditions in aromatic rice varieties

Study on population dynamics of yellow stem borer infestation and its correlation with weather parameters under staggered planting conditions in aromatic rice varieties

Population dynamics of insect pests and their natural enemies in pearl millet ecosystem

Field experiment was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura, to study population dynamics of insect pests and their natural enemies in pearl millet ecosystem. The present study revealed that, dead heart per cent (14.45%) due to shoot fly, Atherigona approximata (Malloch) was peak during 35th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW), per cent damage due to stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) was at peak during the 37th SMW (4.55%) and highest blister beetle, Lytta sp. population was observed during 38th SMW (12 beetles/ 5 Ear heads). While, the maximum population of aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) and its predators, such as coccinellids Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), Harmonia octomaculata (Fabricius) and spiders were recorded during the 34th SMW and the green lacewing Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Ebson-petersen) population at 35th SMW. The correlation studies indicated that, dead heart per cent due to shoot fly revealed a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r= 0.588*) and stem borer infestation revealed a significant positive correlation with maximum relative humidity (r= 603*) and sunshine hours (r= 585*). None of the weather parameters showed a significant correlation with the incidence of blister beetle and aphid populations.

Natural incidence of stem borer damage in U.S. rice varieties

Lepidopteran stem borers (Crambidae) are economically important pests of rice in Louisiana and Texas, and diversified management tactics are needed. Rice varieties differ in susceptibility to stem borers, but resistance has not been studied in modern varieties. Analysis of stem borer injury levels (densities of unfilled panicles or “whiteheads”) was conducted on data from 37 separate field experiments in Acadia and Calcasieu Parishes, LA from 2016 to 2021. In all years, stem borer infestations were predominantly comprised of the Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar). Whitehead density was least in 2016 (0.1 whiteheads m−2) and greatest in 2019 (4.0). Across all years, whitehead density was strongly affected by rice genotype. Whitehead densities for 16 common commercial varieties are reported herein. Stem borer infestations were greatest in PVL01 having approximately 7-fold greater whitehead density than the least infested varieties, CL152, Jefferson, and Jazzman. Mean whitehead densities were approximately two-fold higher in inbred varieties than in hybrid varieties. In addition, medium grain varieties showed higher whitehead densities than long grain varieties. Whitehead densities did not differ between imidazolinone-resistant “Clearfield” varieties and conventional varieties. Results suggest varietal resistance can be incorporated into integrated management programs of rice stem borers to reduce reliance on chemical controls.

Stem borer-attributed mortality of shea trees in Northern Ghana: Infestation, tree death and associated factors

The shea tree is important in several African countries, supporting livelihoods and providing foreign exchange. Shea tree mortality as a result of pest infestation was reported in two parklands in Northern Ghana in June 2018. This study reports on tree mortality in the parklands with reference to stem borer infestation and related characteristics. Standing shea trees in the parklands were randomly sampled to determine stem borer infestation and its role in tree mortality. Nutrient concentration of soil and pest-infested shea were also analyzed. Stem borer infestation at Maluwe (34%) was higher than Gindabo (2%) with tree mortality of 4% and 0%, respectively. Stem borer (Philematium festivum) larvae were absent on standing shea trees but pervasive on windthrown trees. Nutrient (N, P, K, Mg) concentration was significantly different among plant parts, pest infestation status of tree and their interaction at Maluwe. However, at Gindabo, there was no significant difference in pest infestation status and plant parts-pest infestation status interaction for N and plant parts for K. At Maluwe, stem borer-infested trees had the highest N and K levels, while co-infested and un-infested trees had the highest P and Mg levels, respectively. However, un-infested trees contained the highest nutrient levels at Gindabo. Soil characteristics of both sites were similar and although soil nutrient levels at Gindabo were relatively higher, the shea trees had lower nutrient accumulative potential. The reported death was due to abiotic factors including wind/storms that predisposed the trees to proximate factors such as stem borers.

Bio-efficacy of chlorantraniliprole 0.4% gr against Cnaphalocrocis medinalis and Scirpophaga incertulas in rice (Oryza sativa)

With the widespread adoption of high yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties and accompanying changes in the cultural practices, rice leaf folder [Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee)] and yellow stem borer [Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker)] has attained the status of major pests and influence the yield if proper timely management practices are not adopted. For effective management of these pests, identification of new molecules with novel mode of action, low toxicity to non-target insects and environmental safety is required for sustainable IPM. Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% gr (Ferterra 0.4% gr) is an anthranillic diamide insecticide in granular form for the control of lepidopterous pests in rice. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of chlorantraniliprole 0.4% gr (Ferterra 0.4% gr) against rice leaf folder and yellow stem borer during rainy (kharif) seasons 2017–19. The study revealed that broadcast application of chlorantraniliprole 0.4% gr @40 g a.i./ha at tillering stage was found effective and best insecticidal treatment in reducing rice leaf folder and yellow stem borer infestation with no phytotoxicity symptoms and increased grain yield. Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% gr @40 g a.i./ha was also safer to the natural enemies of the rice ecosystem. Post-harvest residual analysis of chlorantraniliprole 0.4% gr was found below the limit of quantification, i.e. 0.01 ppm in rice grains, soil, paddy straw and husk at recommended and double of the recommended dose indicating its safety to human, animals and environment.

Effect of potassium fertilization levels on rice yield, yield attributes and rice stem borer infestation of Giza 178 rice cultivar grown under nitrogen fertilizer levels

Effect of potassium fertilization levels on rice yield, yield attributes and rice stem borer infestation of Giza 178 rice cultivar grown under nitrogen fertilizer levels

Comparison of the Phenotypic Performance, Molecular Diversity, and Proteomics in Transgenic Rice.

The extent of molecular diversity and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in transgenic lines provide valuable information to understand the phenotypic performance of transgenic crops compared with their parents. Here, we compared the differences in the phenotypic variation of twelve agronomic and end-use quality traits, the extent of microsatellite diversity, and DEPs of a recurrent parent line with three transgenic rice restorer lines carrying either CRY1C gene on chromosome 11 or CRY2A gene on chromosome 12 or both genes. The three transgenic lines had significantly smaller stem borer infestation than the recurrent parent without showing significant differences among most agronomic traits, yield components, and end-use quality traits. Using 512 microsatellite markers, the three transgenic lines inherited 2.9-4.3% of the Minghui 63 donor genome and 96.3-97.1% of the CH891 recurrent parent genome. As compared with the recurrent parent, the number of upregulated and down-regulated proteins in the three transgenic lines varied from 169 to 239 and from 131 to 199, respectively. Most DEPs were associated with the secondary metabolites biosynthesis transport and catabolism, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, post-translational modification, and signal transduction mechanisms. Although several differentially expressed proteins were observed between transgenic rice and its recurrent parent, the differences may not have been associated with grain yield and most other phenotypic traits in transgenic rice.

Damage and yield loss estimate in maize varieties owing to stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) infestation and insecticidal control

Stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) is one of the most damaging and yield reducing pest in maize. Field experiments were organized to assess the extent of damage and yield loss due to the infestation of stem borer in maize following two factors randomized complete block design with three replications at National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, during two consecutive spring seasons of 2020 and 2021. Maize varieties; Rampur Hybrid (RH)-8, RH-10, RH-12 (CAH-1715), RH-14 (RML-86/RML-96), RH-16 (RML-95/RML-96), TX-369, Arun-2, ZM-401, ZM-627 and Rampur Composite were used as a test variety (First factor) whereas pest control conditions (spray and non-spray) was considered as the second factor in the experiments. The sprayed plots (protected plots) were kept completely free from stem borer infestation by using three application of standard dose of insecticide (spinosad 45% EC@0.4mL/L) at 10 days interval and non spray (unprotected plots) were selected for natural infestation of stem borers. Standard agronomical practices such as time of planting, row spacing, seed rate, irrigation, weeding and fertilizer application and doses were adopted to raise the crop. Among tested varieties Arun-2 was found most susceptible to stem borer attack in both experimental years resulted in higher % dead hearts (6.04%), higher no of exit hole (4.72), higher % foliage damage at before tasseling stage (12.17%) and higher tunnel length (4.62cm). Quantitative yield loss increased with the increase of the borer's infestation. The yield loss was ranged from 25 to 45% in different maize varieties due to the attack of stem borer. Highest yield loss was quantified for the open pollinated varieties, ZM-401(44.61%) followed by Rampur Composite (41.39%) and Arun-2 (41.22%). Spraying of insecticide enabled the recently introduced maize hybrid RH-14 to produce more yield and to be less vulnerable to stem borer damage.

Abundance and Infestation of Rice Stem Borer in North Malaysia

The abundance and infestation of rice stem borer were monitored in MADA regions with the influence of weather parameters. The determination of the rice stem borer percentage infestation was recorded by dead heart (DH) and whitehead (WH) symptoms. In four regions of MADA area observations, a higher infestation of rice stem borer was observed during rice planting season one (7.1%) compared to rice planting season two (3.9%) on average. Both damage symptoms of the rice stem borer, DH, and WH were observed higher during the rice planting season one. The highest infestation of rice stem borer during season one was observed in Pendang with 18.60%. From the weather parameters recorded, a high infestation of rice stem borer occurred at 80.0% (RHmax), 8.2 °C of temperature differences (Tdiff), and a lower amount of rainfall (0.6 mm). The high infestation in Pendang in season one was influenced by the lower value of RH, higher range of temperature, and lower amount of rainfall compared to season two. Chilo polychrysus was the most abundant species of rice stem borer found in Region 1 and Scirpophaga incertulas were abundantly found in Region 2, 3, and 4.

Evaluation of long duration Promising Rice Genotypes for Resistance to Stem Borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) and gall Midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood- Mason)

Field evaluation of sixteen promising rice genotypes under natural infestation of stem borer and gall midgewas carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh over two consecutive yearsduring kharif season. The results revealed that out of 16 genotypes screened, NLR 3763 during 2019-20 andNLR 3747 and NLR 3742 during 2020-21 recorded highly resistant reaction to stem borer with nil deadheart incidence at 30 DAT. Six rice genotypes viz., NLR 3745, NLR 3749, NLR 3750 NLR 3753, NLR 3762and NLR 3765 consistently reported resistant reaction (Scale 1) to stem borer during two years of study andat 30 and 50 DAT with dead heart incidence less than 10 per cent. Regarding gall midge although fivegenotypes viz., NLR 3744, NLR 3747, NLR 3748, NLR 3749 and NLR 3753 at 30 DAT and one genotypeNLR 3750 at 50 DAT found highly resistant (score 0) with nil gall midge incidence during 2019-20 theirexpression was not consistent. The genotypes NLR 3752, NLR 3753, NLR 3763, NLR 3762, NLR 3760 andNLR 3765 showed consistent results with moderately resistant reaction to gall midge during two years ofstudy period at 30 DAT. More over NLR 3753 consistently reported highly resistance reaction at 30 DATand became moderately resistant at 50 DAT during two years of study.

Effect of foliar spray of potassium silicate on growth and yield of paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2015-18 on same site at NAU, Navsari, to study the effect of foliar spray of potassium silicate on growth, yield and economics of paddy (Oryza sativa). Seven treatments were tested in complete randomize design with four replication. The foliar spray of 1.0 % potassium silicate at tillering, panicle initiation and grain formation stage recorded significantly superior panicle length (24.0), panicle weight (5.86 g), number of grain panicle (154.4), weight of grain panicle-1 (5.09 g), grain (4713 kg ha-1) and straw (6475 kg ha-1) yield as well as gross and net return over control. The lowest value of growth, yield attributes, yield and net return were recorded under control. The remarkably lowest stem borer infestation (1.37%), lodging percentage (0.85%) and sheath mite infestation (2.40%) were also found under the foliar spray of 1.5 % potassium silicate at tillering, panicle initiation and grain formation stage over control.

Effect of foliar spray of potassium silicate on growth and yield of paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2015-18 on same site at NAU, Navsari, to study the effect of foliar spray of potassium silicate on growth, yield and economics of paddy (Oryza sativa). Seven treatments were tested in complete randomize design with four replication. The foliar spray of 1.0 % potassium silicate at tillering, panicle initiation and grain formation stage recorded significantly superior panicle length (24.0), panicle weight (5.86 g), number of grain panicle (154.4), weight of grain panicle-1 (5.09 g), grain (4713 kg ha-1 ) and straw (6475 kg ha-1 ) yield as well as gross and net return over control. The lowest value of growth, yield attributes, yield and net return were recorded under control. The remarkably lowest stem borer infestation (1.37%), lodging percentage (0.85%) and sheath mite infestation (2.40%) were also found under the foliar spray of 1.5 % potassium silicate at tillering, panicle initiation and grain formation stage over control.