It is a major pest in the paddy crop during flowering, grain formation and later. This pest has 3 major stages, Egg (looks like a seed), Nymph (red-eye, green colour), Adult (brown colour). Both adults and nymphs damage the crop.
In the case of high infestation, the yield is reduced by 50%. Also, crop straw tastes unpleasant which cattles may find inedible.
The field smells bad when the insect attacks the crop. That’s why this insect is known as the gundhi bug. In the milky stage of the grain, the insect’s nymphs and adults damage the crop by sucking the milk of the grain. Some grains appear hollow and some semi-hollow. Due to peeling, brown spots appear on the husk of the grains, along with the grains turning brownish and the inflorescences becoming erect. In case of a severe outbreak, the stalk appears grainless.
For its management keep the field and bunds free of weeds and grasses.
Strict vigilance is necessary at the milking stage.
Netting and handpicking the bugs reduces their numbers.
Use of late-maturing varieties.
For chemical control, spray Quinalphos 25% EC 400 ml + Neem oil @ 10000 ppm @ 300 ml per acre.
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