Efficacy of Ethiprole 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG on Brown Planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) and the Whitebacked Planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) in Paddy Crop

Abstract

Background: Rice (Oryza sativa) is a major food crop of India, covering a large area in the country. It is also the most important staple food for more than half of the global population. Nearly 300 species of insect pests damage crops at different stages, and among them, only 23 species cause notable damage. Among the sucking pests, two species of planthoppers infest rice crops and cause severe damage. The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) and white backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horvath). Aim: The study aims to explore the bio-efficacy of Ethiprole 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG on Brown Planthopper (BPH) and White backed planthopper (WBPH) in paddy crop. Place and Duration: Agricultural Research Station, Amadalavalasa, Srikakulam district, A.P. University: Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. Methodology: A field trial was conducted for two seasons i.e. Kharif, 2021-22 (MTU-1224) and 2022-23 (MTU-7029) in randomized block design consisting of three replications. Eight treatments including untreated control were evaluated and each treatment was replicated thrice. The experimental area was managed as per the standard agronomic practices recommended by Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University for the North Coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. Insecticidal spray solutions were prepared as per the treatments and were imposed twice at 15 days interval through spraying using knapsack sprayer. Results: The treatments Ethiprole 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG (Rainbow sample) @ 93.75, 125 and 156.25 g/ha were effective in controlling brown planthopper (BPH) and white backed planthopper (WBPH) population significantly and resulted in higher yield of 5743.33, 6036.67 and 6330.00 kgs per ha, respectively during kharif, 2021-22 and 5320.00, 5680.00 and 5840.00 kgs per ha, respectively during kharif, 2022-23. Conclusion: It is concluded that the bio-efficacy studies with Ethiprole 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG (Rainbow sample) @ 93.75 and 125 g/ha have showed efficient control of planthoppers (BPH and WBPH) in paddy crop.