Influence of Organic Nutrient Sources on Insect Pests and Economics of Rice Production in India* Kumar R Mahender, Padmavathi Ch, Surekha K, Latha P C, Krishnamurthy P, Singh S P Directorate of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Andhra Pradesh, India, Email: rmkumar@drricar.org *Paper presented in the National Conference on Organic waste utilization and ecofriendly technologies for crop protection during March 2007. Abstract System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of rice cultivation is being widely accepted among farmers in India in recent times due to the healthy plant growth and resistance to pests and diseases. An attempt was made in the present study to assess the insect pest scenario in SRI and conventional method of rice cultivation. Field experiments were conducted in Rabi 2006 at Directorate of Rice Research, Ramachandrapuram farm in sandy clay loam soil in split-plot design with cultivars as main plots (MTU 1010, Shanti & DRRH2 in Rabi) and three methods of crop husbandry (SRI, Eco-SRI and Conventional) as sub-plot treatments in four replications. Five insect pests viz., whorl maggot, hispa, yellow stem borer, leaf folder and green leaf hoppers were observed at different stages of crop growth period. Maximum per cent white ear heads were observed in SRI (12.5%) followed by conventional (8.9%) and ECOSRI (6.2%). Out of three varieties, Shanti had maximum per cent white ear heads (21.11%). Lowest per cent white ear heads were recorded in both DRRH2 (3.8%) and MTU1010 (2.8%). Among the organic sources, GM/GLM recorded higher B: C ratio than its combinations or vermicompost application as compared to inorganic fertilizer application under irrigated rice across locations. By considering higher price for organically grown rice as 1½ times to ordinary rice, the benefit cost ratio of the treatments GM/GLM, GM/GLM + FYM, GM/GLM + FYM + BGA, GM/GLM + BGA + Azotobactor, GM/GLM + PSB were higher than the recommended fertilizer dose or neem cake or vermicompost application. Top Keywords Organic nutrients, insect pests, rice, system of rice intensification, conventional method. Top |