Successful application of biological control agents against brown planthopper in rice crops.
(Baonghean) - In recent years, rice pests caused by brown planthoppers and white-backed planthoppers have caused significant damage to rice production in Nghe An. To ensure rice yield, the use of various pesticides for control is indispensable, including pesticides specifically targeting planthoppers. Thus, in addition to increased costs (purchasing pesticides, spraying labor), the frequent and large-scale use of multiple pesticides also causes soil and water pollution and disrupts the ecological balance of the rice fields, leading to an increased risk of rice diseases. Furthermore, the use of multiple pesticides reduces the quality of rice.
During the 2011 summer-autumn crop season, the Plant Protection Center of Region 4 implemented a FAO IPM model using the green fungus Metarhizium anisopliea to control brown planthopper in rice (a biological insecticide). This is a biological product that is not harmful to the environment or humans, and it replaces chemical pesticides for controlling planthoppers. The results of the model implemented in hamlets 6 and 7 of Hung Phuc commune, Hung Nguyen district, on a scale of 30 rice-producing households and an area of 2 hectares, showed promising results. Specifically, in the areas where the biological product was sprayed, farmers did not have to use other pesticides to control planthoppers, unlike other fields where chemical pesticides had been used multiple times. Using Metarhizium anisopliea also reduced production costs and contributed to protecting natural predators, improving the field ecosystem, and moving towards green, clean, and sustainable agriculture.
The green fungus Metarhizium anisopliea is an easy-to-make and easy-to-use product, so farmers can produce and use it (after being provided with the starter fungus). Through discussions with households applying the product, people reported that after receiving the fungus and undergoing training, they were able to cultivate it for use in controlling rice planthoppers during this summer-autumn crop season. Farmers in the model sprayed the product during the tillering and heading stages of the rice crop. Results 15-20 days after spraying showed a higher rate of fungal parasitism compared to brown planthoppers, reducing planthopper density by up to 60% compared to unsprayed fields. Therefore, this can be considered a preliminary application that needs further evaluation in subsequent production seasons across different ecological zones to draw accurate conclusions and promote its application in future seasons.
Phan Duy Hai
