Evaluation of granular and foliar insecticide modules against major insect pests and their natural enemies in the irrigated rice ecosystem

Ten granular and foliar insecticide modules were tested against the major insect pests of rice and their impacts on natural enemies were also noted during 2021 and 2022. Three commonly used granular formulations, namely chlorantraniliprole 0.4 % G, cartap hydrochloride 4 % G and fipronil 0.3 % G, were tested along with three commonly used foliar insecticides: flubendiamide 480 % SC, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC and spinetoram 11.7 % SC. The first application with granular formulations was made 20 days after transplantation (DAT) and the second application with foliar insecticides was made at 50 DAT. Observations on stem borer, leaf folder, gall midge and whorl maggot (WM) incidence were recorded at 30, 45 and 60 DAT. Observations on predatory insects were recorded from the same plots used for evaluating insecticide efficacies. Application of chlorantraniliprole 0.4 % G at 20 DAT and spraying of either flubendiamide 480 % SC or chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC at 50 DAT proved highly effective in controlling the stem borer incidence at the vegetative stage as well as at the reproductive stage. The application of chlorantraniliprole, either as a granular or spray, proved highly effective in controlling the leaf folder in rice. Among the three granular formulations tested, fipronil 0.3 % G granules recorded the lowest silver shoots. Chlorantraniliprole, available in both granular and spray formulations, has proven highly effective in controlling stem borers and leaf folders in rice. Fipronil 0.3 % G granules recorded the lowest silver shoot incidence caused by gall midge.