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Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Pest and disease management in paddy
Paddy is affected by several pests and diseases. The most common ones are
described hereafter:

Birds: Different types of birds affect paddy fields. The common bird is the Quelea,
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which severely damages paddy fields by feeding on ripening grains. This leads
to reduced yields, lower crop quality, and increased costs for control. Effective
bird management strategies include using scare devices, installing bird netting,
and adjusting farming practices such as sowing time and aligning with seasonal
cropping calendars to reduce bird attraction and minimise damage (risk sharing).
Figure 4.5 shows Quelea in a paddy field.

Figure 4.5: Quelea in a paddy field

Rice stem borer: The Rice stem borer is a pest that causes significant damage to
rice crops. The larvae bore into the rice stems, weakening the plants and causing
the central leaves of young plants to die. Early planting and the use of resistant
rice varieties are some of the effective control methods for the pest. Additionally,
insecticides can be used to manage early-stage infestations. Figure 4.6 shows the
Rice stem borer and its damage in a paddy plant.

Figure 4.6: Rice stem borer and its damage in paddy plant
Source: https://plantwiseplusknowledgebank.org/doi/10.1079/pwkb.20157800706

Green leafhopper: The Green leafhopper is a rice pest that poses a significant
threat to crops. This insect feeds on the rice sap, causing yellowing and stunted
growth. It can also transmit the Rice yellow dwarf virus (RYDV), further damaging

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AGRICULTURE F3.indd 56 17/09/2025 14:11