Nonchemical Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Rainfed Lowland Rice

Rice farmers in Ilocos Region have developed their own cropping pattern and practices through time. As observed, the nonuse of insecticide mostly by traditional rice growers together with their cropping pattern and use of biocontrol agents has maintained the insect pest population to a minimum. Alpuerto et al. (MMSU) assessed the pest management strategies adapted in the Ilocos rainfed lowland rice environment. The research team found the following as the IPM strategies suited and effective for rainfed lowland rice farmers:

• Rice planting once a year followed by several crops planted at the same time or one after another. This practice is effective because after harvesting rice, food for rice insect pests becomes insufficient, eventually resulting in reduction of their population.
• Supplementary irrigation during rice establishment in the lowland environment of the area. Available water allows the rice crop to recover after transplanting and attain canopy closure faster. The alternate wet and dry condition of the rice field prevents the development of brown plant hopper and green leafhopper. However, the condition favors the buildup of whitebacked planthopper population, but pests are efficiently controlled by friendly insects and predators. Besides, the pests are not carriers of rice diseases.
• Planting of two or more varieties that differ in tolerance and/or resistance to insect pests and diseases. This assures the farmers that in case of pest outbreak, at least one variety would still remain until harvest.
• Fertilizer and insecticide application--farmers usually apply inorganic fertilizers. If there is low pest outbreak, insecticide application is not necessary.
  

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