Agricultural Research Journal

The influence of rice varieties with varied levels of resistance on behavioural, reproductive and other growth parameters of the white-backed plant hopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera Horvath, was studied on susceptible (TN 1 and PR 114), moderately resistant (PR 108 and PAU 201) and resistant (ARC 6248 and NCS 2041) rice varieties. In a free-choice test, the orientation and settling response of S. furcifera females due to visual attraction was identical on resistant and susceptible varieties, but after a day, significantly more individuals settled on the susceptible varieties, TN 1 and PR 114 (19.7 to 20.0%) than those on the resistant ones (11.7 to 16.0%). Higher reproductive rate of S. furcifera was observed on TN 1 and PR 114 (233.3 and 203.5 nymphs/2 hopper pairs, respectively) in comparison to PR 108, PAU 201, ARC 6248 and NCS 2041 which recorded 128.5, 112.3, 80.5 and 64.5 nymphs/2 hopper pairs, respectively. On moderately resistant/resistant varieties, the mean longevity of the male and female WBPH ranged from 6.5–8.2 and 7.6–10.1 days, respectively and it was significantly lower than that on the susceptible varieties (10.3–10.7 and 14.0–14.3 days, respectively). The developmental period of S. furcifera was significantly lower on the susceptible varieties, TN 1 and PR 114 (11.6 and 11.5 days, respectively) as compared to the resistant ones, NCS 2041 (14.7 days) and ARC 6248 (14.5 days). Growth index, an indicator of suitability of a variety for growth and development of the hopper, was the highest on TN 1 (7.2) followed by PR 114 (6.5). The susceptible varieties, being more preferred for settling, reproduction, growth and development of S. furcifera should be restricted for their incorporation in the integrated pest management programme.