Response of Rice Genotypes to Yellow Stem Borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), Infestation

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate advanced rice breeding lines for their response to yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), under augmented infestation and to identify tolerant and susceptible genotypes based on white ear damage during the reproductive phase. Study Design: A field evaluation of rice genotypes under augmented yellow stem borer infestation across two locations. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, and Ramachandrapuram, Patancheru, Telangana, India, during kharif 2025. Methodology: Twenty-three advanced rice breeding lines from varying backgrounds, along with three susceptible checks (Pusa Basmati 1, TN1 and RNR 15048) and three tolerant checks (Sasyasree, W1263 and SM92), were evaluated for white ear damage under augmented infestation conditions. Augmented infestation was carried out by pinning egg masses at the black-head stage. White ear incidence was recorded during the reproductive phase, and the response of the genotypes was compared across the two locations. Results: Augmented infestation produced significantly higher white ear damage and effectively differentiated tolerant and susceptible rice genotypes. Mean white ear incidence varied widely among genotypes. W1263 (10.99% WE) and SM92 (8.31% WE) exhibited low and stable incidence across the two locations, while NLR 3989 (3.37% WE) and five other lines recorded negligible incidence (<9% WE), identifying them as tolerant sources. Pusa Basmati 1 (31.57% WE), TN1 (18.58% WE) and RNR 15048 (21.02% WE) remained consistently susceptible, whereas Sasyasree showed partial tolerance under higher pest pressure. Conclusion: The identified tolerant genotypes can be utilised as valuable sources in breeding programmes for the development of rice varieties with reduced damage from yellow stem borer.