Causes of the recurrence of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens stal) epidemic in rice and its control measures in the Suphan Buri Province, Thailand | |
| Author | Mayuree Yasueb |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AS-10-06 |
| Subject(s) | Planthoppers--Thailand--Suphan Buri Rice--Diseases and pests--Thailand--Suphan Buri |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Systems and Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AS-10-06 |
| Abstract | Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice. Brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens(Stål)(Homoptera: Delphacidae)is one of the most important insect pests which devastatelarge extentsof rice cultivations causing severe yield losses.The objectives of this study wereto identify causes that lead to the recurrence of brown planthopperoutbreaksand to develop measures to avoid such outbreaks.The study examinedtwotypes of rice production systems, conventional rice and integrated organic rice systems in Suphan Buri province, Central plain of Thailand. The raw data were collected from 57 rice farmers by field survey and personal interviews by using questionnaire.Both types of rice farming are intensive in cultivation, the average rice yield of the both types were not difference of 5 t/ha. The difference in the area damaged, rice yield losses and farmer’ expensesand incomesunder BPH outbreaks between conventional rice and integrated organic rice systems was significant at p=0.01.Farmer’s practices that lead toBPH outbreaks were continuous cultivation of rice, repeated use of the same few rice varieties without improving the genetic composition (hybrid vigor), high seed rate and excessive rates of fertilizer, and heavy use of pesticides. The management of BPH is achieved by maintaining water level and application of both synthetic and biological pesticides. Most of the conventional rice farmers are unaware of natural enemies and biological control measures. Both types of farmers presumed that the climate favors for BPH outbreak and continuous rice culture would not increaseBPHproblems.Use ofhigh fertilizer rates and non-BPH resistant rice varieties are of little importance for BPH outbreak.DOAE has recommended eight measures such as use of BPH resistant rice varieties, temporarily discontinuation of rice production, water management, control application of fertilizers, use of recommended seeding rates, avoid using highly toxic pesticides, use BPH specific pesticides, and use of bio-extract for pest repellence to mitigate BPH outbreaks, to reduce BPH outbreaks, but conventional famers do not adopt the last four measures. Due to regular attendance to farmer field school (FFS) approach, organic rice producers adopt all DOAE suggested measures and experience lower BPH damage. Therefore, proper farmer education and training would help mitigate BPH outbreak and resulting yield losses. |
| Year | 2010 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AS-10-06 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems (AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ranamukhaarachchi, S. L. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P.;Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government;AIT Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2010 |