Management of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes using varietal resistance against the prevalence of rice stems borers

Growing of resistant cultivars against insects’ infestation has received much consideration due to increasing problems of environmental pollution and health hazards. Systematic screening of 42 aromatic rice genotypes was initiated for testing their resistance to the rice stem borers (Lepidoptera) under field conditions. By choosing pest damage and seed yield parameters, the tolerance and susceptibility of rice genotypes were determined. The obtained results showed prominent differences between the genotypes due to variability in the degree of all parameters studied. Out of screened aromatic rice selections, the variety Khushboo-95 followed by Basmati-15-14/93 and Basmati-20-1/93 showed the least deadhearts and whiteheads causing maximum yield as compared to the remaining genotypes identified for tolerance. Owing to the occurrence of highest seed yield and least borer’s invasions these varieties expressed resistance to pest. High densities of borers (deadhearts and whiteheads) and lower yield were associated with SG-15-7/97, Jajai-77 (P) and Basmati-370 (P) which were susceptible for the parameters under observations. These resistant sources found in the trial can further be exploited in breeding program for the development of borer’s resistant commercial rice cultivars by determining their genetics.