The rice ear head bug is also known as the gundhi bug since it emits a bad odour. These bugs are greenish yellow in colour with slender bodies with a distinct bad odour. Both the nymphs and adults attack paddy and cause damage.
Symptoms
The most visible symptoms are the black spots appearing on the grains and the bad smell during the milky stage. The bugs suck out the sap from the grains causing it to be flaky.
Preventive Measures
There are no specific preventive measures to control the gundhi bugs. All you can do is apply insecticides and other pesticides during the flowering and milky stages and later at maturity. Dusting fly ash which is available from thermal power stations could be one way of controlling them.
Chemical Control
- Neo Super insecticide contains 75% thiamethoxam from the neonicotinoids group. It is a systemic product that is easily absorbed by plants. It will also be transported to other parts as well. It is non-toxic to those who consume it but can affect the respiratory tract of insects causing trouble. The recommended dosage will be 60 gm per acre.
- Areva Insecticide is from the neonicotinoid group, coming as soluble granules. This is highly powerful even at a low dosage and stays safe for the environment. It is easily absorbed and is transported to other parts to give complete protection. It enters the insect via different methods and affects the central nervous system. Use 40 gm per acre for best results.
- Extra Super insecticide comes under the neonicotinoid group. It contains 25% thiamethoxam that works against sucking pests. It is safe for mammals and can cause damage to other pests as well. It has translaminar action and can be systemic also. Mix 40-80 gms for one acre of land. You may also mix 0.3 to 0.5 gm per litre of water.
- Voliam Flexi insecticide is a composition of thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole. Each of these has a different mode of action to be effective against the pests. It is safe to be used for harvesting crops but should be avoided during the bee activity period. Just mix 0.5 ml in one litre of water.
Conclusion
One must always be careful while using insecticides on paddy as it should not compromise the yield quality. The best way to ensure this is not to use any close to the harvesting time.
Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.
