SEASONAL INCIDENCE OF MAJOR INSECT PESTS OF RICE IN KRISHNA WESTERN DELTA REGION OF GUNTUR DISTRICT

The seasonal occurrence of major insect pests of rice in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh during kharif 2021-22 was studied in Krishna Western Delta area in 90 farmers fields of 10 mandals (Bapatla, Kakumanu, Ponnur, Tsunduru, Amruthaluru, Vemuru, Tenali, Duggirala, Repalle and Nagaram). Fortnightly observations on pest population in parallel relation with meteorological parameters revealed the highest leaf damage due to rice leaf folder Marasmia medinalis (Crambidae: Lepidoptera)during second fortnight of September (2.95%) when the crop was more succulent. The incidence of yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) begun appearing during first fortnight of August with highest percent damage during second fortnight of September causing 2.62 percent dead hearts. The peak population of brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Delphacidae: Hemiptera) was observed during first fortnight of October (4.97 hoppers/hill) when the crop was in panicle initiation stage.