Validated InfoCrop model was used to simulate economic injury levels (EILs) of the rice leaf folder at different rice growth stages with two control expenditures, incurred on two applications with each of quinalphos and cartap hydrochloride, and three market prices of Pusa Basmati 1. Simulated EILs, with control expenditure of A 2100/ha required for two applications of cartap hydrochloride and market price of the basmati paddy as A 20/kg, varied from 1.5 to 11% folded leaves at different crop growth stages. The crop was observed to be more prone to leaf folder attack during pre-flowering phase than post-flowering. EIL exhibited a negative relationship with market value of produce but had a positive relation with control expenditure. The simulated EILs were observed to be comparable to earlier established empirical thresholds. Therefore, InfoCrop proved to be a valuable tool in exploring the effect of a large number of pest scenarios on crop growth and yield. In view of the application of crop growth simulation models in pest management, there is a need to promote their use for devising location-specific decision support tools.
Cnaphalocrosis medinalis, EIL, Oryza sativa, Simulation model
