A few years ago, the brown plant hopper(Nilaparvata lunges) threatened the cultivation ofa)Wheatb)Ricec)Maized)MilletsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

The brown plant hopper is a sucking insect that, under heavy infestations, can cause the wilting and complete drying of rice plants.

Answer

Nilaparvata lunges is a brown plant hopper which feeds on Oryza sativa i.e., rice. The yellow pots is due to brown hopper. Avoid nitrogenous fertilizer to control the hopper.

Answer

Threat to Rice Cultivation by Brown Plant Hopper (Nilaparvata lunges)

The brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lunges) is an insect that poses a significant threat to the cultivation of rice. This insect is native to Asia and is known to feed on the sap of rice plants, causing substantial damage to the crop. Here is a detailed explanation of why brown plant hoppers specifically threaten rice cultivation:

Rice as a Major Staple Crop:
Rice is one of the most important staple crops worldwide, especially in Asian countries. It is a primary source of nutrition for billions of people. Therefore, any threat to rice cultivation has significant implications for food security and the livelihoods of farmers.

Brown Plant Hopper Feeding Habits:
The brown plant hopper feeds on the sap of rice plants by inserting its stylet into the vascular tissues. This feeding behavior leads to the extraction of vital nutrients and moisture from the plants, damaging their overall health and productivity.

Damage Caused by Brown Plant Hopper:
1. Stunting: The infestation of brown plant hoppers results in stunted growth of rice plants. The affected plants exhibit reduced height and vigor, which directly affects the yield potential.

2. Yellowing and Wilting: The sap-sucking behavior of brown plant hoppers weakens the plants and causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. This condition is known as hopper burn. It reduces the photosynthetic capacity of the plants, leading to further yield losses.

3. Transmission of Viral Diseases: Brown plant hoppers are known vectors of various viral diseases, such as rice ragged stunt virus and grassy stunt virus. These diseases can cause severe damage to rice crops, leading to complete crop failure in some cases.

Prevention and Control Measures:
To mitigate the threat posed by brown plant hoppers, several prevention and control measures can be implemented:

1. Cultural Practices: Implementing good agricultural practices, such as timely planting, balanced fertilization, and proper water management, can enhance the resilience of rice plants against brown plant hopper attacks.

2. Biological Control: Encouraging the presence of natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids of brown plant hoppers, can help in reducing their populations. This can be achieved through the conservation of natural habitats and the judicious use of pesticides.

3. Chemical Control: In severe infestations, chemical insecticides can be used as a last resort. However, the selection and application of insecticides should be done judiciously to minimize environmental harm and prevent the development of insecticide resistance.

In conclusion, the brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lunges) poses a significant threat to rice cultivation. Its sap-sucking behavior, transmission of viral diseases, and the resulting damage to rice plants can lead to reduced crop yield and food insecurity. Implementing appropriate prevention and control measures is crucial to safeguard rice crops and ensure sustainable food production.

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