Vol. 7, Issue 4, Part E (2025)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a primary staple for over 60% of the global population, is significantly impacted by biotic stresses, particularly insect pests, which account for up to 21% of yield losses annually. This study was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm of Rabindranath Tagore University, Raisen (Madhya Pradesh), during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023, to monitor the seasonal dynamics of major insect pests and their natural enemies in paddy fields. Weekly observations were made on ten randomly selected plants, with no chemical pest control applied, enabling the assessment of pest populations under natural conditions. A total of ten insect pests and three natural enemy species were documented. The most prevalent pests included the stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), case worm (Nymphula depunctalis), Gundhi bug (Leptocorisa acuta), brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), and paddy horned caterpillar (Melanitis leda ismene), among others. Pest population trends were analyzed in correlation with key abiotic factors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and number of rainy days using correlation and regression analysis based on Snedecor and Cochran's methods. The results revealed significant associations between pest incidence and weather parameters, with most pests showing positive correlations with maximum temperature and negative correlations with rainfall and humidity. Natural enemies like the predatory beetle (Micraspis coracea) and spiders (Pardosa pseudoannulata, Argiope catenulata) were consistently observed across crop stages, peaking alongside pest populations. These findings underscore the importance of ecological pest monitoring and the potential for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored to climatic conditions. The study contributes valuable data for sustainable rice pest management and supports the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices.