Biology and ecology of rice-feeding insects: root and stem feeders

Biology and ecology of rice-feeding insects: root and stem feeders E. A. Heinrichs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA; F. E. Nwilene, The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), Nigeria; M. Stout, Louisiana State University, USA; B. A. R. Hadi, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), The Philippines; T. Freitas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Mole cricket

1.3 Root aphids

1.4 Rice root aphid

1.5 Rice mealybug

1.6 Black bugs

1.7 Rice stalk stink bug

1.8 Chinch bug

1.9 Rice seed midges

1.10 Rice stem maggot

1.11 Rice seedling flies

1.12 Black beetles

1.13 ‘Chafers’ (white grubs)

1.14 Colaspis beetles

1.15 Rice root weevil

1.16 Rice plant weevil

1.17 Paddy root weevil

1.18 Rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel)

1.19 Gorgulho aquático do arroz (Oryzophagus oryzae)

1.20 Rice water weevil (Afroryzophilus djibai Lyal)

1.21 Termites

1.22 Root-feeding termites

1.23 References

There are many insects which feed on the roots and stem of rice plants. Some, such as white grubs and root aphids, attack exclusively the roots, while others (e.g. mealybug and rice stem maggot) infest only the stems, although there are some pests such as mole crickets which damage both roots and stems. The infestation of the rice crop by different insect pests is related also to the growth stage of the plants. Seedlings are prone to attack by pests such as rice seedling flies, rice seed midges and mole crickets. Insect damage at the early stages of crop growth causes seedling death and results in missing plants. Damaged plants may completely disappear from the field by being blown in the wind or by being consumed by saprophytic organisms. Heavily infested fields have many missing hills, leading to low plant density and low yield.