Egg Laying Preference and Comparative Incidence of Scirpophaga Incertulas (Walker) on Different Rice Varieties

During the present studies the maximum egg masses were found to be laid by S. incertulas on Basmati - 370. The maximum number of egg masses were laid on the plant parts (73.68 to 100%). However, 0.00 to 26.32 per cent egg masses were laid either on pot soil or pot wall. Out of the total egg masses laid on plant parts 45.65 to 92.86 per cent alone were laid on the upper surface of the leaves. More number of egg masses were laid either towards the base (35.71 to 66.66%) or towards the tip (16.67 to 64.29%) of the leaves in different varieties while only 0 to 26.92 per cent egg masses were laid in the centre of the leaves. Sixty days old plants of Basmati - 370 were preferred by S. incertulas for egg laying. The egg laying preference of S. incertulas on different plant parts varied with variety and age of the crop. A significantly higher number of dead hearts and white ear heads were produced in Basmati -370 than in other varieties at 90, 100, 110; and at 130 and 140 days old rice plants, respectively under sprayed conditions.