Survey on pests and diseases of rice and their management in Matara district

Abstract

Rice is subjected to many pests and diseases that often place a major biological constraint on production. A survey was conducted to study major pests and diseases in rice and their management practices in Matara district. Thirty farmers were randomly selected for this survey and each farmer was interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Sheath blight, BLB and rice blast were recorded as major diseases in the area while brown plant hoppers (BPH) and green leaf hoppers were recorded as major pests. A BPH resistant variety BG 379/2 was cultivated by most of the farmers. It was recorded that majority of farmers (63.3%) used resistant varieties against pests and diseases while most of them (33%) have cultivated those resistant varieties according to the recommendation of Department of Agriculture. Most of the farmers (53.33%) have sprayed chemicals only for controlling pests and diseases, however, a considerable number of farmers (23.33) have adopted both chemical and cultural control methods together. Only 3.33% farmers have applied integrated methods for the management of pests and diseases. Carbosulfan, Fenobucarb and Kasugamycin were the widely used chemicals in controlling pests and diseases in the area.