In Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts yellow stem borer, leaf folder, green leaf hopper and earhead bug are the major pests affecting the crop and resulted in 20 to 25% loss in yield. Rice black bug, gall midge and hispa are emerging as major pest problems in these districts. Green leaf hopper, vector of Rice Tungro disease is prevalent in certain areas and three species viz., Nephotettix virescens, N. nigropictus and N. malayanus have been identified and the predominant is N. virescens. Prevalence of two species of leaf folders viz., Cnaphalocrocis medinalis and Marasima patnalis are noticed
Rice planted in the month of June resulted in severe incidence of green leaf hopper which in turn increased the RTV.
Studies conducted on the evaluation of botanicals against the rice ear head bug indicated that the spray of Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) 5% and Ipomoea spp. leaf extract @ 10% at 10 days interval from panicle initiation is proved to be highly effective.
Complete management practices were evolved for rice black bug. Spraying of acephate @ 625 g/ha or monocrotophos @ 1000 ml/ha or 5% Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) at 10% ETL or above was highly effective against rice black bug.
The major diseases in the district are bacterial leaf blight, blast, brown spot, sheath rot, Rice Tungro disease, Bacterial leaf streak and stem rot.
Seed treatment with Carbendazim (0.05%) proved to be very effective against brown spot and Fusarium root rot in nursery.
