AbstractThe influence of the lepidopteran stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), the most important pest of deepwater rice (Oryza sativa) in south-east Asia, on plant and grain yield was investigated in Bangladesh during 1982–85. Four mechanisms of crop loss were identified: (i) deadhearts at the vegetative stage, (ii) loss of damaged but apparently healthy stems in flood water, (iii) white-heads at the reproductive stage and (iv) the effect of late season stem damage on panicles. A great proportion of damaged stems was not visible and damage symptoms were found to be an unreliable indicator for the assessment of borer activities in the field, and did not represent the actual yield loss. Stem damage had a negative influence on the stem density, with reduced panicle density and grain yield. Stem borer damage also seemed to reduce the elongation ability of the rice stem causing them to rot. Late season stem damage reduced the number of filled grains, mean grain weight and panicle weight and increased grain sterility. These effects were related to severity and position of damage. The average estimated yield loss due to S. incertulas was about 17% which took place during the last 11 weeks (from flood peak to crop maturity) of the deepwater rice season (32 weeks).
Expression of β-Expansins Is Correlated with Internodal Elongation in Deepwater Rice
