REVIEW OF KEY RICE STEM BORER SPECIES THREATENING MALAYSIA'S PADDY INDUSTRY

Siti Wan Rasidah Abdullah, Nur Azura Adam, Nor Elliza Tajidin, Anis Syahirah Mokhtar

Abstract


Rice remains a primary staple food for the Malaysian population. However, the self-sufficiency level (SSL) of rice production in the country remains low. Crop production is increasingly threatened by stem borers, particularly the yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), black-headed stem borer (Chilo polychrysus), pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens), and striped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers an effective and sustainable strategy to control stem borer outbreaks, reduce yield losses, and minimise environmental and human health risks. This review synthesises current knowledge on the major rice stem borers in Malaysia, with emphasis on their distribution and occurrence of rice stem borers, biology and life cycle, host plant preferences, and associated damage levels. In addition, the review highlights the management strategies currently implemented by farmers and relevant authorities to mitigate their impact.


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References


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