Study on impact of weather parameters on the incidence of stem borer complex on rice

The results revealed that three species of stem borers viz., yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas, pink stem borer Sesamia inferens, dark headed borer Chilo polychrysus are dominant in the rice ecosystem. The larval populations observed from damaged plants showed the presence of only yellow stem borer (i.e., 100%) during Standard week 22 (second fortnight of May) and only pink stem borer during Standard week 11 (first fortnight of March). Maximum occurrence of dark headed borer was noticed during the Standard week 13 (second fortnight of March) with 42.59%. Overall in this ecosystem yellow stem borer was predominant in causing damage followed by pink stem borer and dark headed borer. Correlation with weather parameters revealed the significant influence of minimum relative humidity and sunshine hours on the infestation of stem borer.