Evaluación de la incidencia de insectos plaga en el cultivo de arroz (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) en el cantón Nobol en la provincia del Guayas, Ecuador

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most widely consumed cereals worldwide and holds high socioeconomic importance in Ecuador, making it a key crop. Insect pests represent a significant threat to rice cultivation, and their identification is essential for developing more effective management strategies. The objective of this research was to identify insect pest species and evaluate their incidence, richness and abundance in rice crop in Nobol canton, Guayas province. Seven pest species were identified: Hydrellia sp., Tagosodes orizicolus, Spodoptera frugiperda, Rupella albinella and Diatraea saccharalis, Tibraca limbativentris and Oebalus sp. The highest incidence was recorded during the vegetative stage of the crop (40 to 70 days after transplanting). The Menhinick diversity index (0.40) showed low specific richness, while the Simpson dominance index (0.23) indicated an even distribution among species, with no dominant pest present. These findings provide a basis for implementing phytosanitary monitoring and control programs tailored to the phenological dynamics of the crop.