Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture (MJSA)

A study was conducted during the period of January to July, 2012 in the Entomology Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to manage the Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) of rice eco-friendly following the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications using the rice variety TN1. To keep in view this point, three insecticides viz. Dursban 20 EC, Convoy 25 EC, Belt 24 WG and three botanical extracts viz. Neem, Tobacco, Karanja extracts were used to compare their effectiveness against Yellow Stem Borer (YSB),Scirpophaga incertulus and also against natural enemies of Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) as Yellow Stem Borer (YSB),Scirpophaga incertulus causes dead heart and white head symptoms at vegetative and reproductive stage of rice respectively, the number of dead heart and white head symptoms were counted at different time interval viz. 7, 15, 21 days after spraying (DAS) to assess the effectiveness of the treatments. The chemicals and botanicals caused significant difference in their effects against Yellow Stem Borer (YSB). Among the chemicals Dursban 20 EC caused highest reduction in dead heart and white head symptoms and in case of botanicals Neem extracts caused highest reduction in the symptoms. The chemicals and botanicals were also evaluated for their side effects on natural enemies of rice. The botanicals were found less harmful than insecticides. Natural enemies like Lady Bird Beetle and Spider were abundant in the Neem extract sprayed rice field after several weeks of its application. The insecticides and botanicals reduced the infestation of Yellow Stem Borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulus and thereby significantly influenced the yield performance of rice. Dursban 20 EC treated plot showed highest yield (1.80 Kg/ plot) and Neem extract treated plot showed the yield 1.40 Kg/ plot. Considering the efficacy and eco-friendly nature of Neem extracts it could be considered as an effective botanicals in successful management of the pest Yellow Stem Borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulus of rice.