Integrated pest management (IPM) against paddy insect pests in Tungabhadra command area of Karnataka

Field experiments were conducted in farmers’ paddy fields at Jakkaldinni village, Raichur, Karnataka during 2010–2011 to 2011- 2012 with Paddy IPM module in comparison with recommended package of practices (RPP) and farmers’ practices (FP) to validate and popularize the IPM module. IPM module comprising of need based chemical application (Profenophos, for Leaf folder) and bio-rationals (Buprofezin, for plant hoppers) coupled with judicious use of chemical fertilizers resulted in significant reduction of paddy insect pests, stem borer, leaf folder and plant hoppers and at par with Farmers practice (FP). Though FP recorded higher yield, the net return per hectare was highest in IPM modules.