Multi-trait evaluation of insecticidal treatments against yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulus Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in rice using integrated analytical and visualization approaches

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food crop in South Asia; however, its productivity is severely constrained by the yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulus Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a major pest that causes significant yield losses. Although several insecticides are available, there remains a gap in understanding their comparative efficacy, especially for newly released scented and high-yielding varieties, such as HUR-105 (Malviya Sugandhit-105), approved by the CVRC in 2009. Hence, this study was conducted to bridge the knowledge gap in the comparative multi-trait efficacy of insecticidal treatments against yellow stem borer in the newly released scented rice variety HUR-105, during the Kharif season of 2023–24 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. A randomized complete block design was used with seven treatments: six insecticidal treatments and one untreated control, each replicated three times. Insecticides were applied upon reaching a 5% economic threshold level. The results showed that insecticidal treatment significantly reduced the pest damage. The combination of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC + fipronil 5% SC at 125 g a.i./ha recorded the lowest dead heart (5.65%) and white ear (4.07%) incidences, and the highest grain yield (4.63 t/ha). Intermediate efficacy was observed for fipronil and chlorantraniliprole alone, while the untreated control had the highest infestation and lowest yield (3.50 t/ha). Multi-trait and cluster analyses confirmed the superior performance of combination treatments. These findings highlight the potential of chlorantraniliprole + fipronil as a key component of yellow stem borer management. For sustainable use, future research should explore their integration into Integrated Pest Management programs, focusing on ecological safety, natural enemy compatibility, and adaptability across rice-growing regions.