Comparative Efficacy of Eco-friendly and Chemical Treatments for Managing Yellow Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) in Basmati Rice

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major staple food crop globally, but its productivity is severely constrained by insect pests, particularly the yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker). Yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), causing 20-70% yield losses, threatens rice production. A Kharif 2022, field study at SVPUAT, Meerut, evaluated four botanicals, one biopesticide, and one insecticide against this pest in basmati rice using a randomized block design. Results indicated that cartap hydrochloride was most effective (48.2 q/ha, 1:9.45 cost-benefit ratio), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae (44.4 q/ha) and nimbecidine (42.8 q/ha), which significantly reduced dead hearts and white ears. These bio-rational agents offer sustainable options for integrated pest management, reducing reliance on harmful chemical insecticides.