Rice is both a cash crop and food crop grown worldwide, however its growth require key steps that if practised properly higher yields can be generated.
There are several insects both beneficial and non beneficial in rice fields among the non beneficial insect pests that affect and lower rice production are stem borer, army worms. Beneficial insects include bees, dragon flies and spiders and these should not be destroyed as they act as natural enemies to rice pest. When growing rice apply pre emergency herbicides before planting to effectively manage weeds.
Growing rice
Always apply both pre and post emergency herbicides 21 days after transplanting to effectively control weeds this hinders them from establishing beyond the height of rice and reduces competition of nutrients and water.
Similarly water the nursery to limit the growth of weeds in rice fields since rice can not stand weed competition however incase there is poor water field management apply recommended herbicides to limit weed growth.
Furthermore apply NPK 10 days after seeding because at this stage plants have developed roots for proper nutrient absorption and utilisation at recommended rate per hectare on the other hand urea should be applied at falling stage for better panicle formation. When applying NPK the depth should be 27cm as this prevents the fertilizers from being oxidized.
Also control common rice insect pest by burning crop stubble, ploughing and flooding after harvesting to destroy the larvae stage through suffocation, similarly intercrop with maize as this is effective in reducing stem borers in rice fields, in conclusion use resistant tolerant rice varieties that are not easily affected by diseases and harvest 30-45 days after flowering when grains are hard and turn yellow or brown.
