Stem borers, an important yield reducing insect pest complex of rice in India: A review

Abstract

Paddy stem borers have been considered as one of the most destructive insect pests causing significant yield loss globally. Majority of them belongs to the family Pyralidae and Noctuidae under the order Lepidoptera. The larval stage is the only feeding stage cause substantial damage by boring the stem portion. Infestation typically characterized by the presence of “Dead heart” and “White Ear Head”. From tropical condition, Scirpophaga incertulas, Scirpophaga innotata, Chilo suppressalis, Chilo polychrysus and Sesamia inferens have been received major attention for causing huge yield loss in Gramineous crop specially Paddy.