Rice Leaffolder
Leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) larvae feed on the inside part of the folded leaf creating white and transparent streaks on the leaf.
What are the symptoms?
√ longitudinal and transparent whitish streaks on damaged leaves
√ leaf tips sometimes fastened to the basal part of the leaf
√ heavily infested fields appear scorched with many folded leaves
Check for the sign of leaffolder for disc-shaped ovoid eggs laid singly, young larvae feeding on the base of the youngest unopened leaves, folded leaves enclosing the feeding larvae, and present fecal matter
Impact to the crop
Rice plants can recover from damage during vegetative stage but during reproductive stage, the damage is economically important. High infestation can cause yield loss.
How to control?
To prevent leaffolder outbreaks:
√ Use resistant varieties.
√ Follow rice with a different crop, or a fallow period.
√ Avoid ratooning.
√ Flood and plow field after harvesting if possible.
√ Remove grassy weeds from fields and borders.
√ Reduce density of planting.
√ Use balanced fertilizer rates.
Source: http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org
