Impact of Bio-control Agent on the Management of Rice Insect Pests

Insect pests and disease infestations are the primary problems in rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation. Mostly lepidopteran and hemipteran like yellow stem borer and brown plant hopper respectively are the important insect pests. Concerns about chemical free agriculture have promoted widespread introduction of integrated pest management, an ecologically based approach to control the harmful insects and pests. Integrated pest management is intended to reduce ecological and health damage from chemical pesticides by using natural parasites and predators to control pest population. This review article describes the impact of various biocontrol agents with respect to management of rice insect pests.