A study of screening the entries of paddy in Chandauli district for possible Steneotarsonemus spinki infestation

Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley (panicle rice mite) is one of key rice pests throughout the world. It has been reported that this mite caused 30 to 90% yield loss in rice in the different parts of the world. In the present investigation, survey was conducted in Chandauli district in Kharif season 2011 for possible panicle mite infestation on different varieties of paddy viz., Jeerabatti, Badshahbog, Sugandha Basmati, Rajrani, Pusa Basmati 1, Saket-4, Sarjoo52, Swarna Mansuri, Jaya, and Sonam. These varieties were monitored for panicle infestation and per cent grains sterility caused by Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley was studied. There was a positive correlation between mite population and per cent grain sterility in all medium duration varieties and all long duration varieties, which were surveyed in the experiment. Lowest mite population and per cent of grain sterility was recorded in the bold seeded varieties Vi., Swarna Mansuri, and Saket?4, whereas high mite population was found in the long seed varieties. The sterility and chaffyness of grains are always not caused by panicle mite but some time, it is caused by some other insects like, Rice Gundhi bug and thrips. No any variety of paddy was found to be immune to Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley infestation.