Beating rice hispa in Bangladesh. Validated RNRRS Output.

Abstract

This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.

Summary for Project title: R7891: Ecology and management of rice hispa (Dicladispa armigera) in Bangladesh.
A computer program to help predict likely outbreaks of the insect pest, rice hispa, is now available. Rice hispa is a serious pest in Bangladesh—up to half the crop can be lost—and in other countries in tropical Asia. The insects are almost everywhere in small numbers and, given the right conditions, plagues erupt dramatically. Now, pest control teams have a simple model—based on humidity levels the previous winter—to forecast outbreaks. This means they can warn farmers. Farmers then use sweep netting and spot applications of insecticide to control the insects, methods proven by small rice growers in Sylhet, northeastern Bangladesh. These methods are now being spread by farmer field schools. This integration of national forecasting with farmer action has great potential for ricegrowing areas.

The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (11 pp.) taken from the CD.

Citation

CPP76, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 36.

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2007