Managing insect pests in rice with biopesticides

Growing healthy rice crops while protecting the environment has become a crucial priority for modern agriculture. The use of biopesticides, natural substances derived from plants, bacteria, fungi, or minerals, offers an effective and sustainable solution to manage insect pests in rice, supporting healthy and productive paddy systems. Platforms such as the CABI BioProtection Portal, the largest free global resource for biological pest management, play a key role in guiding growers and advisors on how to identify and use registered biocontrol products effectively.

In this article, we will explore how biological protection methods can help control rice pests, providing practical insights into sustainable pest management.

Why pest management matters in crop production

Pests can devastate rice crops, reducing yields and forcing farmers to rely on chemical pesticides that harm beneficial insects, soil health, and water quality. Traditional pest control methods, while effective in the short term, often lead to pesticide resistance and biodiversity loss.

This is where biological pest management becomes essential. By using naturally occurring organisms or their by-products, farmers can keep pest populations under control while maintaining a balance with nature. This approach is particularly beneficial for staple crops like rice, which are prone to serious infestations.

Common insect pests in rice and how they cause damage

Rice fields attract a range of destructive insects. The most common insect pests in rice include:

Brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens)

This tiny pest sucks the sap from rice plants, causing them to wither and turn yellow. In severe cases, entire patches of rice can collapse, a condition known as “hopper burn.” Brown planthoppers also transmit viral diseases that can devastate yields.

Rice stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)

Stem borers lay eggs on rice leaves. When the larvae hatch, they bore into the stems, cutting off nutrient flow. The damage can result in “dead hearts” during the vegetative stage and “white heads” at maturity, both indicators of significant yield loss.

Rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis)

Leaf folders roll and feed on leaves, reducing photosynthetic activity. Heavy infestations can cause stunted growth and reduced grain filling, leading to poor harvest quality.

These pests not only threaten food security but also increase production costs when chemical pesticides are used excessively. The CABI BioProtection Portal helps farmers identify safe and locally registered biocontrol products to combat an insect pest in rice effectively. By promoting natural and environmentally friendly solutions, the Portal supports a sustainable approach to managing insect pests in rice and reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.

The role of biopesticides in sustainable agriculture

Biopesticides are natural alternatives that target pests while being safe for humans, animals, and the environment. They are derived from living organisms or natural compounds such as plant extracts, microbes, and minerals. Unlike synthetic chemicals, biopesticides degrade quickly and do not leave harmful residues.

Some of the most common types include:

• Microbial biopesticides: Contain bacteria, fungi, or viruses that infect and kill pests. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one of the best-known examples, widely used against caterpillars in rice.
• Botanical biopesticides: Derived from plants like neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic, or pyrethrum, which have natural insecticidal properties.
• Biochemical biopesticides: Include pheromones that disrupt insect mating or growth regulators that interfere with pest development.

The CABI BioProtection Portal supports growers in selecting these types of products by offering a comprehensive, searchable database of biocontrol and biopesticide solutions registered in their own countries. This helps ensure the products are safe, effective, and compliant with local regulations.

Integrating biological protection into rice pest management

Effective rice pest management relies on combining biopesticides with sustainable farming practices that strengthen natural resilience. By integrating biological control, water management, and monitoring, farmers can reduce pest populations without harming the environment.

Alternate wetting and drying (AWD)

Alternating periods of flooding and drying help lower insect pest pressure in rice fields by disrupting breeding cycles and creating less favourable conditions for pest development. This method also conserves water and supports soil health.

Encouraging beneficial insects

Maintaining natural vegetation and planting flowering borders around rice fields attract beneficial insects such as ladybirds, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps. These predators help control pest populations naturally and strengthen overall ecosystem balance.

Monitoring and early detection

Regular field inspections and the use of pheromone traps or sticky cards enable farmers to detect pest outbreaks early. Timely action ensures effective control using biopesticides before infestations reach damaging levels.

Benefits of using biopesticides for pest management

The adoption of biopesticides offers multiple benefits:

• Environmental safety: They decompose naturally, reducing pollution and protecting water and soil health.
• Resistance management: Pests are less likely to develop resistance compared to synthetic pesticides.
• Target specificity: Biopesticides often affect only specific pests, sparing beneficial organisms.
• Improved soil health: Microbial products enhance soil microbial diversity, improving nutrient cycling and crop resilience.
• Compliance with organic farming standards: They meet organic certification requirements, supporting eco-friendly production.

These advantages make biopesticides a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and essential tools in managing insect pests in rice. The CABI BioProtection Portal plays an important role in helping farmers adopt these natural products effectively through education and easy access to trusted information.

Building a sustainable future for rice cultivation

The path toward sustainable rice farming depends on understanding the balance between productivity and ecological responsibility. By adopting biopesticides, improving water management through practices like alternate wetting and drying, and making use of trusted resources such as the CABI BioProtection Portal, farmers can manage insect pests in rice effectively while protecting the environment.

Embracing these methods not only reduces chemical dependence but also strengthens soil health, supports biodiversity, and ensures stable yields for future generations. With knowledge, observation, and the right tools, biological protection becomes more than pest control. It becomes a foundation for resilient, sustainable rice production.