Integrated Pest Management in Sali Rice

Rice is the principal staple food of Assam and among the various rice ecotypes cultivated in the state, sali rice occupies a dominant position in terms of area and production. Despite its agronomic importance sali rice faces heavy losses due to pest infestations including insect pests, diseases, weeds and nematodes. Conventional dependence on chemical pesticides has resulted in pest resistance, resurgence, residue hazards and environmental pollution. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers an ecologically sustainable strategy by combining cultural, biological, mechanical and need based chemical methods to maintain pest populations below economic injury levels.