Rice Nursery Pest Management: Common Insects That Damage Rice Seedlings and Effective Control Measures Protect Your Rice Nursery from Early-Stage Pest Attacks to Achieve Healthy Seedlings and Higher Yields By Agriculture Research Station, Vizianagaram Rice is one of the most important staple food crops cultivated across India. However, rice seedlings are vulnerable to several insect pests from the nursery stage itself. If these pests are not identified and controlled at the right time, they can significantly reduce plant vigor, affect crop establishment, and ultimately lower grain yields. Agricultural scientists advise farmers to regularly monitor rice nurseries for pest infestation and adopt timely integrated pest management (IPM) practices to ensure healthy seedlings and successful transplantation. Major Pests Affecting Rice Nurseries The most common insect pests that attack rice nurseries include: Stem Borers Rice Hispa Rice Gall Midge Rice Leaf Folder Cutworms Each of these pests causes distinct symptoms and requires specific management practices. 1. Stem Borer Identification Adult stem borer moths are yellowish in color with a characteristic black spot on their forewings. Female moths lay egg masses near the tips of rice leaves and cover them with brown hairs for protection. Damage Symptoms After hatching, larvae bore into the stem and feed internally on plant tissues. Common symptoms include: Drying of the central shoot ("Dead Heart") Yellowing and drying of leaves Weak seedling growth Reduced tillering Poor crop establishment after transplanting If infestation begins in the nursery and is left unmanaged, the pest can spread rapidly to the main field. Management Clip the tips of rice seedlings before transplanting to remove egg masses. Monitor nurseries regularly for egg masses. Recommended insecticide sprays (per litre of water): Acephate – 1.5 g Cartap Hydrochloride – 2 g Chlorantraniliprole – 0.3 ml Alternatively, apply Carbofuran 3G granules @ 160 g per cent of nursery about one week before uprooting seedlings after providing light irrigation. 2. Rice Hispa Identification Rice Hispa adults are shiny black beetles with spiny bodies. Damage Symptoms Both adults and larvae feed on leaf tissues. Adults scrape green tissues between leaf veins. Larvae tunnel inside leaves. White streaks appear on affected leaves. Severe infestation causes drying of leaves, making the nursery appear scorched. The pest also survives on grassy weeds growing along field bunds. Management Remove weeds around field bunds. Maintain clean nursery surroundings. Recommended insecticide sprays (per litre of water): Chlorpyrifos – 2.5 ml Monocrotophos – 1.6 ml Profenofos – 2 ml 3. Rice Gall Midge Identification The adult resembles a tiny reddish mosquito. Damage Symptoms Female insects lay eggs on leaf sheaths. After hatching, larvae feed on the growing point and inject substances that prevent normal leaf development. Affected seedlings produce a hollow tubular structure resembling an onion leaf, commonly called a "Silver Shoot." Management If even one affected tiller is noticed per square metre, immediate control measures should be taken. Apply: Carbofuran 3G granules @ 160 g per cent of nursery. Early detection is critical to prevent heavy crop losses. 4. Rice Leaf Folder Identification Both larvae and adults damage rice leaves by feeding on plant sap and tissues. Damage Symptoms Leaf margins roll inward. Leaves curl and dry. Photosynthesis decreases. Seedling growth is affected. Infestation becomes more severe under drought or moisture-stress conditions. Management Recommended insecticide sprays (per litre of water): Monocrotophos – 1.6 ml Fipronil – 2 ml 5. Cutworms Identification Cutworms remain hidden near the base of seedlings during the day and become active at night. Damage Symptoms They cut young seedlings near the ground level. Affected nurseries appear as though livestock have grazed the crop. Management Flood the nursery with water to force larvae to the surface. Birds naturally feed on exposed larvae and help reduce pest populations. Recommended insecticide sprays (per litre of water): Monocrotophos – 1.6 ml Chlorpyrifos – 2 ml General Pest Management Tips for Rice Nurseries Agricultural experts recommend the following practices: Inspect nurseries regularly for early signs of pest infestation. Remove grassy weeds from field bunds. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer during nursery growth. Maintain proper water management. Use healthy seeds and resistant varieties whenever available. Follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Apply pesticides only after confirming pest infestation and strictly follow label recommendations. Wear appropriate protective equipment while handling pesticides. Expert Advice Healthy seedlings are the foundation of a successful rice crop. Most nursery pests can be effectively managed through early monitoring, proper field sanitation, timely cultural practices, and need-based plant protection measures. Farmers are encouraged to seek guidance from local agricultural extension officers before applying pesticides and to follow the latest recommendations issued by their respective State Agricultural Universities or Agriculture Departments. Source This technical information has been prepared by scientists from the Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram. Contributing Scientists: Dr. M. Swathi – Scientist (Entomology) Dr. T. S. S. K. Patro – Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology) Dr. N. Anuradha – Senior Scientist (Plant Breeding) Dr. U. Triveni – Scientist (Agronomy) Dr. K. Tejeswara Rao – Principal Scientist (Agronomy) Dr. M. Divya – Research Associate (Plant Pathology) M. Triveni – Research Associate (Plant Breeding) Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram Contact: +91 94930 84826 Disclaimer This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Farmers should consult their nearest agricultural extension officer or qualified crop protection specialist before using any pesticide. Always follow the manufacturer's label instructions, recommended dosage, safety precautions, and applicable government regulations.
Tollywood has received one of its biggest announcements of the year as NTR and acclaimed filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas officially reunite for a grand mythological action epic. The prestigious project will be produced under the Haarika & Hassine Creations banner by S. Radha Krishna (Chinababu) and Suryadevara Naga Vamsi. The makers unveiled the project's official announcement along with a striking concept poster carrying the powerful tagline, "The Son of Shiva. The Pride of Parvathi. The Eternal Commander." The poster has gone viral across social media, fueling speculation about the film's storyline and NTR's character. According to industry reports, NTR is expected to portray a powerful divine warrior inspired by Lord Kumaraswamy (Kartikeya/Skanda), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, and the commander of the celestial army. The film is said to blend mythology with high-octane action, rich storytelling, and modern commercial elements, making it one of the most ambitious projects in Trivikram's career. Reports also suggest that the makers are considering the title "God of War" for the film, although an official confirmation is still awaited. At present, NTR is busy shooting for his upcoming film Dragon, directed by Prashanth Neel. Once that project is completed, this mythological spectacle is expected to go on floors. The production house is likely to reveal more details, including the first glimpse, cast, and technical crew, in the coming weeks.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said “the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s point of view.” WASHINGTON : The US on Thursday (Jun 18) lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel, as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance announced that he may postpone a trip to Switzerland that had been planned for Friday and included a ceremonial signing of the deal. The visit might have helped start talks on the next, potentially even more critical, round of negotiations between the two sides.
Colombia next face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara after Uzbekistan play Portugal in Houston. MEXICO CITY: Colombia winger Luis Diaz dazzled at a raucous Azteca Stadium as his side marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 Group K win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday (Jun 17). Colombia, who missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.
Hyderabad: With the aim of strengthening its presence in Telangana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its organizational efforts under the guidance of the central leadership. The party is treating the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections as a crucial political battle, believing that establishing a strong base in Hyderabad will pave the way for success in the next Telangana Assembly elections. As part of this strategy, BJP National President Nitin Nabin is scheduled to visit Telangana for a three-day tour. During his visit, Nitin Nabin will hold a special meeting with GHMC booth-level committee leaders this evening. He is expected to provide guidance on key aspects of election management, booth-level organization, campaign strategy, and candidate selection. Party leaders will also review the shortcomings observed in recent local elections and discuss measures to strengthen the BJP's grassroots network ahead of the upcoming polls. The BJP's immediate objective is to secure victories in the three municipal corporations. The party has already decided to contest the elections independently, without entering into any alliance. Nitin Nabin is expected to advise state leaders to establish a dedicated selection committee to identify strong candidates and ensure that the party fields capable contenders in every division. In addition, the BJP leadership is likely to emphasize the importance of voter list verification, new voter enrollment, booth-level management, and continuous engagement with voters. The party believes that a strong performance in the GHMC elections will significantly enhance its political influence in Telangana and strengthen its prospects of achieving success in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Hyderabad: Police have solved a theft case involving a 100-gram 24-carat gold biscuit and ₹1 lakh in cash at a villa in Indu Fortune Fields, KPHB Colony. Two sisters employed as housemaids at the residence were arrested for allegedly committing the theft, and the stolen gold biscuit was recovered from their possession. According to police, the case was registered at KPHB Police Station under Crime No. 810/2026. The accused, Konala Ramya and her younger sister Karri Nagalakshmi, were working as domestic helpers and staying at Villa No. 253, where the complainant, Uddagiri Tatarao, was residing as a tenant. The theft occurred on May 19 after the homeowner's wife reportedly left a second-floor wardrobe unlocked in a hurry. The sisters allegedly noticed a 100-gram 24-carat gold biscuit and ₹1 lakh in cash inside the wardrobe. Taking advantage of the situation, they are accused of stealing both the gold and the cash. During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to sharing the stolen cash and spending it on personal expenses. They also confessed to hiding the gold biscuit in the room allotted to them inside the villa, intending to sell it at a later date. Acting on credible information, KPHB Police conducted a search on June 30 and detained the two women. The 100-gram gold biscuit was recovered from their room. The arrested accused, Konala Ramya (36) and Karri Nagalakshmi (34), are natives of Chagallu village in West Godavari district and were employed as housemaids in the villa. The case was investigated under the supervision of DCP Ritheeraj (IPS) and ACP E. Ravikiran Reddy. The investigation was carried out by KPHB SHO S. Rajashekar Reddy, DI K.S. Ravi, DSI Abdul Samad, and the KPHB Crime Team. Police officials stated that the officers involved in cracking the case would be commended for their prompt investigation.
