Rice entomology: recent developments in the management of insect pests in the Philippines

Issue Date

10-2002

Abstract

Rice ecosystems in the Philippines vary from upland, rainfed wetland, irrigated low-land and irrigated highland but regardless of types, all are sources of energy food for both humans and insects. Four guilds, namely: phytophages or herbivores (818 species), predators (774 species), parasites/parasitoids (317 species), and scavengers/tourists (171 species) constitute the arthropod community structure in rice. Food webs relate specific trophic resources and consumers to the structure and dynamics of ecological communities. New technologies and greater understanding of the rice ecosystems are contributing to more effective and sustainable integrated pest management (IPM). Recent developments in the management of insect pests of rice are viewed from the perspective of current pest management options available to farmers, namely: host plant resistance, biological control, cultural control and chemical control. Development of resistant varieties through genetic engineering has received emphasis in rice improvement programs involving biotechnology. Enhancing natural biological control in rice ecosystems is a current research thrust. Of the many cultural methods available, synchronous planting of resistant varieties, crop rotation, seedling age, mixed cropping, water and fertilizer management and planting time are effective in regulating pest populations. Farmer education through farmer field schools demonstrates the ecological cause-and-effect relationship associated with insecticide use. Integration of baseline knowledge on taxonomy, ecology, information technology and biotechnology with IPM strategies are recent developments in the management of insect pests in rice ecosystems in the Philippines.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

16

Issue

2

Page

117-127

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

PLANT PROTECTION; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL; PEST MANAGEMENT; INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT; ENTOMOLOGY; PHILIPPINES

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