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Influence of the Green Revolution on the Insect Pests of Rice: with Particular Reference to Bangladesh

Dr. Zahirul Islam
Ex. PSO, Entomology Division, BRRI, Gazipur
61 Coleman Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4C IP8, Canada.

Dr. David Catling
Agricultural Research and Development Specialist
II Alexandra Ave, Oranjezicht, Cape Town 800 I, South Africa,

Dr. Mohibul Hasan
Ex. PSO, Entomology Division, BRRI, Gazipur
KGF, BARC, Dhaka

Dr. Sheikh Shamiul Haque
PSO
Entomology Division, BRRI, Gazipur

Mahfuz Ara Begum
SSO
BRRI Regional Station, Barisal

Dr. Mainul Haq
Ex CSO and Head
Entomology Division, BRRI, Gazipur

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The Bangladesh green revolution transformed the traditional rainfed organic agriculture into an irrigated, essentially high input rice culture. The new agro-ecological conditions were characterized by: an intensification of irrigated rice cropping, especially expansion of boro rice cropping in the dry period, with high-yielding varieties; a switch to chemical fertilizers and sometimes an excessive use of nitrogen; and quite often the misuse of insecticides. This led to higher farm yields and more staple food for the country, but a drastic reduction in rice genetic diversity. Bangladesh's green revolution is a phenomenal success story since it virtually tripled rice production within three decades, catapulting it into the world's fourth largest rice producer. But the green revolution also brought about a significant shift in insect pest composition and rank. In general, the new rice technologies boosted the plant sap feeders and those requiring high moisture for their growth, development and survival, but retarded those pests requiring drier conditions and those seeking dry soil for pupation. The advent of large areas of irrigated rice retarded population buildups of: earcutting caterpillar, swarming caterpillar, mealy bug, grasshoppers and thrips. Irrigated rice cropping encouraged: caseworm and gall midge while irrigation plus excessive nitrogenous fertilizer favoured: brown planthopper, whitebacked planthopper, green leafhoppers, rice leaffolders and hispa. Rice intensification and greater year-round rice cropping encouraged yellow stem borer and rice bug. Bangladesh experienced waves of insect pest outbreaks from late 1970s to early 1990s. Since the late 1990s, the severity of most insect pests attack have declined, though localized buildups of some pests may still occur from time to time. The fragile balance between insect pests and their natural enemies has been restored by the country's intensive integrated pest management (IPM) campaign started in the late 1980s. Nevertheless, this balance can always be disrupted again by the injudicious use of insecticides, excessive application of chemical fertilizers especially nitrogen, and major changes in rice cropping practices.

Keywords: Rice, Bangladesh, Insect pests, Green revolution, Influence on pests, Outbreaks, Natural balance.

Location: BRRI experimental farm, Gazipur and also different farmers' field

Start Date: 01-01-1970

End Date: 31-12-2009

Program Area: Pest Management

Commodity: Insects

Objectives:

To observe critical changes in the pest status brought about by the green revolution and to know those pests that were retarded or reduced by the new agro-ecological conditions.

Methodology:

This paper draws on data from weekly surveys of rice plots at the BRRI experiment farm, Gazipur, based on the field counts, insect numbers, removal of rice plants for examination and the dissection of stems; and also on farmers' field surveys carried out regularly by BRRI entomologists since early 1970s. Pest outbreaks reported by mass media as well as by the Department of Plant Protection were also considered. Critical changes in the pest status brought about by the green revolution are discussed by dividing the pest complex into those pests that were encouraged or elevated, and those pests that were retarded or reduced by the new agro-ecological conditions.

Source of Information: Outlooks on Pest Management - February 2009, 37-43.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Bangladesh experienced waves of insect pest outbreaks from late 1970s to early 1990s. Since the late 1990s, the severity of most insect pests attack have declined, though localized buildups of some pests may still occur from time to time. The fragile balance between insect pests and their natural enemies has been restored by the country's intensive integrated pest management (IPM) campaign started in the late 1980s. Nevertheless, this balance can always be disrupted again by the injudicious use of insecticides, excessive application of chemical fertilizers especially nitrogen, and major changes in rice cropping practices.

Knowledge Management: Journal