Comparative Efficacy of Modern Insecticides for Controlling Rice Leaf Folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) Under Field Conditions

Abstract

Rice, a critical cash crop and secondary staple in Pakistan, faces significant yield losses due to the rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), a major pest causing up to 80% crop damage. This study, conducted during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yusafwala-Sahiwal, evaluated the efficacy of five insecticides—Virtako 40 WG, Proaxis 60 SC, Karate 2.5 EC, Advantage 20 SC, and Flubendiamide 48 SC—against rice leaf folder on Super Basmati rice under a randomized complete block design with three replications. Insecticides were applied at five concentrations when infestation reached 3%, with pest scouting performed using a 1-square-foot iron ring at 3, 7, and 14 days after spray (DAS). Virtako 40 WG exhibited the highest efficacy, significantly reducing infestation to 0.926% at 14 DAS with the highest concentration (26.667 g/ha), followed by Proaxis (0.926%), Karate (1.573%), Advantage (1.852%), and Flubendiamide (1.575%). All insecticides showed dose-dependent efficacy, with higher concentrations consistently outperforming lower ones. Control plots recorded the highest infestations (6.493–7.447%). These findings align with previous studies advocating timely chemical interventions and highlight Virtako’s potential in integrated pest management (IPM). The study underscores the need for sustainable pest control strategies combining new chemistry insecticides with biocontrol and resistant varieties to enhance rice yield and environmental safety in Pakistan.