Evaluation of different integrated pest management modules for the management of major pests of rice (Oryza sativa)

Field experiments were conducted in farmers’ rice fields at Karakkad village, Pattambi, Kerala during 2006–07 to 2008–2009 with 3 rice IPM modules (IPM I, IPM II and IPM III) in comparison with farmers’ practices to validate and popularize the IPM modules in rice. The results showed that the IPM III module comprised alternate spraying with neem-based formulation and newer safe insecticides (cartap hydrochloride and spinosad) coupled with release of egg parasitoids against leaffolder and monitoring of stem borer with sex pheromone traps resulted in siginificant reduction of stem borer (3.88% dead heart, 1.95% white ear), whorlmaggot (4.10% damaged leaves), and leaf folder (2.73% damaged leaves). It has recorded highest grain yield (4 489 kg/ha) and C : B ratio (1: 1.30). Stem borer incidence was reduced by 61.6% in IPM III module as compared with farmers’ practices. Leaf folder damage has showed a reduction of 64.8% and whorl maggot infestation indicated 61.03% reduction in IPM III module over farmers’ practices which has also shown the lowest C: B ratio.